Ninedeli named best place to eat in Southwold on Tripadvisor

But those who ARE in the know are voting with their feet – and their keyboards, with the Pinkneys Lane deli and café top of the crop on Tripadvisor in the coastal town. 

Tucked away just seconds from the hubbub of the high street, many have anointed the business a ‘hidden gem’ for its ever-changing (often throughout the day) menu, flexibility and enormous seafood platters. 

James, who moved to the county 20 years ago, says life hasn’t always been easy in such an upmarket locale. His first venture in the town, Prandium, was consistently praised for its food. “But people told me it wasn’t ‘posh’ enough for Southwold!” 

Despite great feedback, particularly for his burgers, he was forced to shut the doors, take stock, and formulate a new plan. 

After some time out, James took an enormous leap of faith, signing the lease on new premises for a fresh start...against a background of the Ukraine war and rising food and energy costs. 

It hasn’t been easy. 

The chef (a one-man band) is open every single day except Christmas, saying being ultra-flexible and able to pivot at a moment’s notice is essential to Ninedeli’s survival. 

Up to 10 people can be seated inside (more outside on sunny days), with takeaways available up until 10pm (pre-order by 2pm). 

In the mornings there are bacon rolls, you can snag a croissant and cup of coffee for only £2, or check out what’s on the display counter – anything from chocolate cake to Victoria sponge, or more exotic-sounding creations such as Disaronno and orange sponge. 

“From lunchtime we have sandwiches, soups, jacket potatoes and specials people can eat in, or have to-go,” says James, who adds lots of folk like to swing by and grab bites to devour on the beach. “Today, for example we’re got cod Wellington, seafood pasta and a really good burger.” 

He says customers can’t get enough of his loaded fish platters which he’s often asked to provide for private dining events. “I need 24-hours notice for those. Typically it’s whatever’s best from the fishmongers. Usually white fish, calamari, king prawns on the shell, crab, rollmop herrings. Most people say they can’t finish it. I can do hot platters too, with things like crab cakes.” 

Lobster and crab salads are available throughout the year, whatever the weather. 

And, as for takeaway specials. Get your order in by lunchtime and you’ll be given a collection slot. James admits the menu changes very often, but it will usually include plenty of his regular customers’ favourites – meat of vegetable chilli, lasagne, Thai green curry, cauliflower dhansak, moussaka, fish pie, risotto of the day, charcuterie platters...and even high tea. 

In recent months James has been working on a wide range of deli items for the shop which he’ll use in his own cooking, and have arranged on the shelves for customers to take home. 

“I’m enjoying getting stuck into making those,” he says. “At the moment I’ve got Pear, Apple and Ginger Chutney, Green Bean and Red Onion Chutney, Banana Chutney and Onion Marmalade. And with the flavoured oils, I’ve made Chilli, Garlic and Black Pepper, Lemon, Rosemary and Mixed Herbs, and Basil and Sundried Tomato.” 

There’s more coming, he adds, saying Ninedeli’s own-brand coffee grounds, roasted in Halesworth by Freshpak, can be bought in packs too – or taken away. “We sell coffee from all over the planet. I might not have been into it at the last place, but I’ve really embraced coffee now,” he jokes. 

Ninedeli is open from 8am to 5.45pm daily. Find out more, including how to place takeaway orders, at ninedeli.co.uk