This is an interesting topic for me being a Brundall riverside resident. I think for the previously said reasons (lack of moorings, visitor shop, riverside access etc.) that it shouldn't be labelled 'capital of the south'.
I remember the riverside shop and Penny she was always very pleasant. I think in the latter years of the shop the other part concentrated mainly on angling and I think it was maybe her son (Simon?) who ran it and later opened up Brundall Angling Centre on riverside estate, it’s a shame it went bump as it was great for me being an angler.
For me Brundall is just fine as it is with its laid back feel and decent amenities. It doesn’t make the most of the passing boat traffic but in essence it doesn’t need to really as the industry and villagers seem to keep things going well. We regularly frequent the Bistro and Yare plus there’s now an Indian in the village along with a really good Indian (Tamarind) only 5mins away. Very often we use the rail link into Norwich (fab city) for a mooch (pub crawl really!) so all in all it’s a great place to park the car and not have to use it while we are here.