The pretty little seaside town rammed with independent shops and one of the best for food

Home to a nationally renowned food and drink festival, one seaside town calls foodies from far and wide to try traditional East Anglian fare. Fish is the star of the show, as you'd expect for a town leading to the North Sea, but its independent scene satisfies any palate.

Thankfully, due to its shingle beach, the crowds are far smaller than busier neighbours in Suffolk, so you can enjoy your meals in relative peace. Consumer guide Which? declared it the foodie destination of East England this year, giving it a full five stars for its food scene — and just as importantly, five stars for peace and quiet — based on a survey of 8,952 experiences from 3,872 members.

Every year, Aldeburgh is taken over by people who come to celebrate Suffolk’s food scene at the annual food and drink festival.

Its 20th anniversary takes place in just a few weeks on September 27 and 28, a few miles inland from Aldeburgh at Snape Maltings. This lends itself to thriving restaurants, as they have a budding clientele with an appetite for fine food.

For a pricier evening, The Suffolk is a highly esteemed restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide with a stunning beachside location. Even though it is on the more expensive side, revered food critic Jay Rayner praised it as far better value than cities like London.

"This dinner was its own sweet celebration, aided by perfect execution," he said, writing for The Guardian. "My dinner took me to a whole bunch of very happy places."

Its seasonal menu serves up locally sourced fish and the Head Chef, Luke Truelove, who creates daily specials "inspired by the best produce he can source".

Fish and chips are a must on any British seaside holiday, and visitors can get crisp, salty, vinegary dishes at the family-run Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop.

Brasserie The Lighthouse has nearly a perfect score of 4.8 from more than 700 diners, while Regatta, which focuses on seafood and has its own smokehouse, also has rave reviews.

However, Adleburgh is far from a one-trick pony. The Suffolk town is a charming coastal destination, with colourful houses, a long pebble beach, and coastal walks.

The streets are also filled with art galleries, independent shops and historic sites, including The Red House, the former home of composer Benjamin Britten.

Aldeburgh also has no train station, which again lends itself to fewer crowds coming across from London, but if you opt for public transport, can catch a connecting bus from Saxmundham station.