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Just every so often it is our pleasure to bring you something completely different, and the Lady Florence is such a one. A former Admiralty MFV she was built in 1944, one of over 1000 designed to serve as supply boats, but in fact used for every task going. From personal experience I can testify that they are some of the toughest boats ever built.

The Lady Florence has a long record of providing cruises in the River Alde and Ore, which is in fact one river. Cruises start the day with a brunch version, lasting two and half hours from 0930 to 1200 during which an American style brunch is served. A champagne brunch can also be supplied as an alternative.

Lunch cruises run from 1200 to 1600; Dinner is also a four-hour cruise and runs at times dependent upon the time of year. The menu could be Orford smoked duck breast with fruit compote, baked fresh salmon with citrus herb crust, loganberry and apple crumble with fresh double cream.

The ship accommodates 12 people with comfort, and has loos on board. She is not subject to tidal restrictions. All bookings must be made in advance. There can be few better ways of spending a few hours idling round these East Anglian waters, enjoying good food and drink

Fish and seafood rarely get fresher than this and there are many enthusiastic customers who can vouch for the bounties of the sea served at this Orford oyster shop and restaurant. The Butley Orford Oysterage has been around since the 1950s and has been renowned for providing fresh local fish from the North Sea to its loyal clientele. Smoked dishes are also popular at this restaurant where the atmosphere is friendly and laidback, a perfect place to drop by with a friend for a quick and tasty lunch.

The menu naturally demonstrates a passion for anything that has emerged from the sea, where starters could typically be griddled mussels with a crunchy garlic topping followed by a main course of skate with brown butter sauce or half dozen Butler oysters. Desserts could include a chocolate truffle torte with amaretto cream or a selection of cheese and biscuits. The Butley Orford Oysterage shop is well stocked with a wide range of fresh fish as well as smoked products.

The King's Head is a 13th century pub, a historic landmark in the picturesque town of Orford with its huge Norman castle looming in the distance, enchanting people with its spectacular and rich history. This friendly and down to earth pub attracts locals as well as visitors for their marvellous food and drink and the latter will find the accommodation to be simple yet clean, bright and comfortable. The fare at the pub is dictated by the seasons as well as the land's ability to provide local produce and the emphasis is on simple but flavourful ingredients.

Traditional food rules the menu and you might get to see starters of Orford smoked mackerel with horseradish cream and mustard sauce followed by a hearty main course of pan seared loin of local venison, celeriac gratin, red currant and pepper jus. Finishing touches include a dessert of iced orange sherbet, rich chocolate mousse and brandy cherries. The King's Head drinks list includes a remarkable selection of wines, beers and real ales.