Pubs in Ipswich

We kick off the list with the oldest pub in Ipswich. The Spread Eagle reportedly dates back to 1510 and has even welcomed famous punters such as Charles Dickens. Nestled in the town centre, the old building has recently been taken over by a proud local brewery, now serving an excellent selection of real ales and craft beers. With a log burner for cosy winter nights and beer garden for lazy summer afternoons, you’ll always feel welcome in this characterful location just four minutes from our Town Centre (Quayside) hotel.

If you’re planning a pub crawl, it’s only a five-minute walk to the next location. The Dove Street Inn is an award-winning drinking hole with at least nine real ales on offer at any time. You’ll also find a strong selection of single malt whiskies, ciders and great pub grub in this classic English establishment, with friendly staff and plenty of outside seating. The food is highly praised – in a world of gastropubs and deconstructed hipster fare, their menu offers good, honest food. Think pork pies with pickles, shepherd’s pie or steaming bowls of chilli con carne.

Another option for no-fuss English grub is The Greyhound Public House. The most apt description would be to describe it as a proper pub, complete with scrubbed wooden tables, a selection of local Suffolk beers and hearty food served simply and honestly. It’s really well located as a pre-show spot for dinner, less than a 10-minute stroll from Wolsey Theatre.

If you instead like your pub food in the form of a humongous Scotch egg, try The Fat Cat to the east of the town centre. You won’t get thirsty either – there’s usually a selection of at least twelve real ales, mostly from the barrel, as well as international beers and even a gluten free option. Weekly guest beers mean you’ll have to keep popping back to test the new ones, and a popular option is order in your takeaway straight to the pub from a Monday to Thursday. It’s just like your living room, yet with great drinks on tap!

To round up our top picks, we can’t forget The Thomas Wolsey for the pub purists. You won’t find any food on offer or waiters running to and from the kitchen. Instead it’s proudly a ‘drinking pub’ and focuses on serving good drinks (including an ample wine menu) at reasonable rates, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Very central and only six minutes from our Town Centre (Quayside) hotel, it’s a great place to go before Ipswich Town F.C. matches – of course only if you’re supporting the home side!