About The Old Dairy
Nestled in the lovely town centre of Beccles, the Old Dairy Restaurant & Café takes its name from the building’s origins as a grocery and dairy, which formed part of the larger, local Buckenham Dairy conglomerate. Since 2003, the restaurant has been owned and operated by Jackie Ronie, and was fondly known as Ronie’s Café, a Beccles staple with a reputation for good food and good company. After a lifelong career in the food and hospitality industry, Jackie has passed the torch to a second generation of restauranteurs – her son and daughter-in-law, Ryan & Jo White.
Ryan and Jo are self-proclaimed, “foodies,” and have always been interested in the art of cooking tradition. When Jackie decided to take a step back, they thought it was the perfect opportunity to pursue their dream, and an ideal solution for keeping the popular café open. Ryan’s family have lived in Beccles for generations, and he and Jo live here with their two children, so it was important to them that the history of the area was celebrated in their cuisine. They have collaborated with the Beccles Museum and Historical Society to learn more about the site’s past and have renamed the café to pay homage to the building’s heritage.
The Old Dairy proudly serves a blend of familiar and original dishes, intentionally designed to honour the traditions of the region, with a modern twist. Our food is made daily from scratch, with seasonal ingredients sourced by local family suppliers. It is our passion to create high-quality, flavourful meals that are unique and inviting, and we aspire to provide an atmosphere equal parts inspiring and welcoming.