Nightlife in Ipswich

Beer lovers won’t have to walk far from our Town Centre (Quayside) hotel to find a good watering hole – Briarbank Brewing Company is just three minutes away and will offer you a great selection of handcrafted ales and beers. As well as their own microbrewery, they also feature seasonal brews throughout the year, so there’s always something new to try. The venue’s particularly popular during the summer months, with regular live music nights and an outside bar when the weather cheers up. But don’t despair if beer’s not your thing – you’ll find a great range of boutique gins as well as all of the classic drink options.

Another spot close to the waterfront is Aurora Bar and Restaurant, which makes the most of its location with panoramic marina views. The stylish two-storey building houses a modern bar and restaurant under its sail-shaped canopy roof, offering contemporary British dishes, drinks and great cocktails. Visit before dinner for cocktail deals before 9pm, or enjoy great views of the marina’s lights at night, with the bar open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Head into town for the Arcade Street Tavern – this tardis-like bar doesn’t look big from the outside, but offers an amazing range of gins and beers to enjoy in a buzzing atmosphere. Catch one of their regular events (of course based around gin or beer) and street food Fridays if you’d like to fill up on pizzas, burgers, steaks and more. Combining your two great loves in the world, they even host beer and cheese pairing nights, or you can go all out and hire the venue privately for tastings and gin experiences.

Ipswich doesn’t disappoint when it comes to classic English pubs to visit. Whether you’re looking to relax in a beer garden or want a good old fashioned knees-up, the town’s public houses provide an amazing selection of real ales and home brews, as well as great pub grub. Check out our dedicated guide to pubs in Ipswich for more.

You’ll be on the lookout for a dance floor if you want to continue your night into the early hours. New York Exchange Bar is a great option which combines cool cocktails, a busy dance floor and plenty of DJ events and themed nights. You can’t go wrong with their daily 2-for-1 happy hours lasting from 7pm till 10pm, with everything from candyfloss martinis to classic cosmos, and late night opening even on a school night! Or Unit 17 is your best option for a larger nightclub – three rooms of music offer a range of tunes and a light-up disco dance floor.

If you’re looking for a club night yet want to avoid the fresh faced 18-year-olds, KC’s Bar & Nightclub might be more your scene. With DJs playing the best R&B, old school tunes and everything in between, it offers everything you need for a local night out. The venue is even home to the regular Cheeky Devil’s Club nights, leading the cabaret revival in Ipswich and is always very popular. Check out their almost monthly events for a night filled with velvet, velour and vivacious performers.