I’d never visited the Commodore before and so I was unaware of the rather lovely views which it has over the lake. Like the Harbour in Lowestoft, it’s operated by Moss & Co who have a number of local venues.
The Commodore has been a licensed premises since at least the mid nineteenth century, previously known as the Commodore Inn when I assume from the name it would have had accommodation available. It was run by the Stebbings family for some time, although there was a tragedy in 1891 when William Edward Adams, aged 20, died when falling through the ice on what they thought was a frozen lake. Quantrell Stebbings, the landlord, shouted a warning to Adams and his friend before they embarked on their expedition, but it was to no avail. It was no surprise Stebbings shouted out a warning, there had been mention in the newspaper the week before that two separate groups had a narrow escape under similar circumstances, with one lad who fell in being looked after in the Commodore.
More recently, this was something of a debacle from the Stonegate pubco who owns the pub and refused to renew the licence of Moss & Co. So they left and Stonegate tried to operate the venue themselves under management, but that situation was evidently sub-optimal as they decided they’d revert to the previous arrangement.
It was relatively quiet inside, but that was not entirely unexpected from an afternoon visit on a slightly wet November afternoon. The service was friendly, prompt and warm, with the venue having something of an inviting atmosphere. It’s clean and well presented internally, although it does have something of a clinical feel to it which I assume is linked to the Stonegate organised £200,000 update.
There was a choice of two real ales, Ghost Ship from Adnams and Encore from Lacons. I understand that they would usually have four real ales during busier periods of the year.
I went for the Ghost Ship and it was well-kept, rounded and at the appropriate temperature. And it came with a rather decent view. Julian went for the Encore and seemed delighted by it.
This must be a profitable exercise when the sun is shining during the summer, there’s no shortage of tables here and further down towards the water. I’m not sure that the venue is food led, but the menus are quite extensive and the online reviews for their meals are positive.
This was a positive first pub on our little Oulton Broad expedition, it seemed like a well-run venue with friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks and real ale that was in good condition. All really rather lovely.