Many would agree that summer in Suffolk is best enjoyed having a cold beer and something to eat at the pub. Enjoy a long walk followed by a pint or two in a sunny beer garden or drop in for a quick one and end up staying all day!
The Suffolk Spy shares her top 10 best places in Suffolk for a beer and a bite:
The Turks Head, Hasketon
Low Rd, Hasketon, Woodbridge IP13 6JG | theturksheadhasketon.co.uk
Located just outside Woodbridge, The Turks Head is an award-winning pub with a fabulous beer garden overlooking the countryside! The pub has many local cask beers, including Earl Soham Victoria and Captain Barlow, an easy drinking ale brewed for the pub by Greene King. The pub also has a guest ale every Friday. Find a seat in the beer garden and enjoy the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten!
The Queens Head, Hawkedon
Rede Rd, Hawkedon, Bury St Edmunds IP29 4NN | www.hawkedonqueen.co.uk
A charming pub set in the picturesque village of Hawkedon. The pub is brimming with character; low timbered ceilings, a huge fireplace and interlocking rooms making up the restaurant. Enjoy a pint of Southwold-brewed Adnams Best Bitter or any of up to 4 real ales on tap. The food is fantastic but if you are looking for something quick pop in on Friday or Saturday lunchtime when they also serve great sandwiches.
The Weeping Willow, Barrow
9 Bury Road, Barrow, Bury St Edmunds IP29 5AB | www.theweepingwillow.co.uk
Recently restored by a superb architect and a renowned florist, this listed pub has been transformed into a stunning modern country pub with a beautiful terrace. The renovations alone make this pub very different to any other pub in Suffolk. Head chef Nick Claxton serves up delicious and beautifully presented dishes. Head to the pub on a Friday and take a seat at the bar which has been specifically designed with an Ale end!
Old Cannon Brewery, Bury St Edmunds
Old Cannon Brewery, 86 Cannon St, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1JR | www.oldcannonbrewery.co.uk
For something a bit different head to the Old Cannon Brewery and enjoy a taste of their beer brewed in house, and made from East Anglian grown and malted barley. This is the only brew pub in Suffolk where you can see beer being made regularly. Go on a Monday night and enjoy a pizza and a drink for only £10!
The Maybush, Waldringfield
Cliff Road, Waldringfield, Woodbridge IP12 4QL | www.debeninns.co.uk/maybush
Possibly one of the most picturesque pubs for a beer and a bite in Suffolk! The Maybush is situated on the waterfront of the River Deben and offers panoramic views from its beer garden across the water. It’s the perfect location for a sunset beer after work on a Friday night! Given its proximity to the coast, the pub offers a number of fantastic fish options on its menu.
The Easton White Horse, Easton
The Street, Easton IP13 0ED | www.eastonwhitehorse.co.uk
Refurbished and relaunched earlier this year, this 16th century pub is situated in the charming village of Easton in the Deben Valley. Head chef James Jay produces phenomenal dishes using the finest seasonal and regional produce. Visit on a Sunday and try the 4th best roast in the country as rated by Rate Good Roasts!
The Trowel and Hammer, Cotton
Mill Rd, Stowmarket IP14 4QL | www.trowelandhammercotton.com
This traditional country pub can be found in Cotton, just outside Stowmarket. The pub retains many of its traditional charms including oak beams and open fires. There’s a large beer garden where you can enjoy a pint of Adnams Southwold on tap. The menu features many pub classics including steaks and burgers.
The Crown, Stoke by Nayland
Park Street, Stoke-by-Nayland CO6 4SE | www.crowninn.net
Found in the stunning Stour Valley, this traditional pub has a reputation for its large outside terrace, excellent food and bustly village feel. The menu changes regularly and always embraces seasonality and local produce. The pub has a great selection of beers on tap including Adnams Ghostship and Brewers Gold by Crouch Value. There is always a rotating beer or lager too.
The Westleton Crown
The Street, Westleton, Saxmundham IP17 3AD | www.westletoncrown.co.uk
Previously visited by Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, this attractive pub on the Suffolk coast between Aldeburgh and Southwold is the perfect place to stop following a trip to the coast. The pub is a traditional coaching inn with a wealth of character but which also has a contemporary feel. The pub offers a light lunch menu and a full a la carte menu using the finest and freshest ingredients. The pub serves a number of beers on tap from big regional names and also from smaller brewers across East Anglia.
The Henny Swan, Henny
Henny Rd, Great Henny, Sudbury CO10 7LS | www.thehennyswan.co.uk
Located just outside Sudbury, this riverside pub is the perfect combination for beer and sunshine lovers. The pub has 15 draft beers on tap and a stunning beer garden next to the river overlooking the beautiful Stour valley. The restaurant serves gastro pub favourites with imaginative twists. A great value set menu is also available Tuesday – Fridays.
