please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This is a nice surprise, sandwiched as a rose between two thorns! Family run, I think. 12 pumps but I think about 14 ales available on a midweek evening. Busy and no eye contact nor acknowledgement that I was seen, but served after a few minutes wait.
No indication on the board as to whether the beers were pale, light, medium or dark so it was pot luck. Two tone was dark, a bit lifeless but drinkable.
Food appears to be home made, packed in microwaveable containers, but surprisingly heated up in a bank of microwaves between the 2 bars, hence the whole pub smelt of curry. That said, the portions looked good and clearly it does a good food trade as well as beer.
All things considered, worth a visit and certainly amongst the top few pubs in the city.
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An essential visit for away fans before games at Portman Road. 20 mins walk from the station. Very good range of excellent ale & the home cooked food was a revelation. I had the Balti Shepherd''s Pie - highly recommended. Plenty of seating - inside & out.
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What is there not to like?Good range of ales and country wines.Didnot check the cider list.Had a couple of pints of GK XX Mild on a recent visit.Sad that GK donot wish to acknowledge what a superb beer this is.
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Very busy pub with an excellent range of beers and lagers. The staff and locals are very friendly. Well worth a visit when in the area. They have a home brew shop as well over the road. Beers are on draught and also in a tap room meaning there is always a great selection.
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Good bustling pub with plenty of ale choice, not only from the pumps on the bar but also from the taproom from which we got an excellent pint of Blackadder. Good basic pub food - a (really) large pork pie with pickle or mustard for �3.50 and a half pint of local pork scratchings for a quid. Rugby on a large screen in the covered backyard. Only downside was one of our party having difficulty convincing one of the barstaff that his drink was "off" after another had already had his changed without question (6 of us had tried it and agreed it was not good) - in an ale-oriented pub surely better to take it off sale straight away Must be said though that all the other ales drunk were in good condition.
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One of the benefits of the Ipswich v Boro match being abandoned after half an hour was that we got to go back to this great boozer. Some great real ales on. The brews from their own micro brewery were very good. Good home made food and a very friendly atmosphere.
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A fairly square bar area and plenty of ales on. Picked a duff pint in the brew from over the road with the oil can on it though.
anonymous - 29 Jan 2012 12:28 |
Brilliant - always has been and has now been enhanced by having its own brewery across the road (beer shops and B&B are also there). A great range of beers from near and far with their own "Ordinary Bitter" being of very good quality. Prices are reasonable and they do a good range of bar snacks which seem to be available at most times. We met up with some local footie fans and we all enjoyed the atmosphere and the beer. Even better as we won 3-2 !! Only one downside - their golden ale (Summer Late Evening) had just run out and a new cask was obviously put on too quickly as the beer was pretty naff to be honest. That said I will of course be back to try it on another day as this is always a regular pub for us and our friends. Highly recommended.
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Nice pub Good beer but dont bother about sitting outside in the yard, it`s full of barrells and two vans, at night in the summer it`s ok but outside those times dont bother.
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Superb pub with wide choice of very well kept ales, always lots of variety. Locals always friendly. It is the kind of pub you wish you live near to, and, after the first hour, you inevitably change the rest of your plans for the day or evening - and stay !
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Ipswich is a superb place to live in or visit. There's a fine selection of real ale pubs, my favourites are St.Jude's Brewery Tavern, the Greyhound, the Arboretum, the Woolpack, Mannings, the Spread Eagle, Brewery Tap, Lord Nelson, Fat Cat and last but certainly not least, the Dove St. Inn, arguably the best pub in the East. It's close to the wonderful Waterfront, not far from beautiful Christchurch Park and some delightful historical buildings in the centre of town. It has character, atmosphere, friendly staff, real ale festivals and a superb collection of beers, including those from its micro brewery.
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Great place, loved the tv's with adverts for next weeks beer festival, great beer and pork pies.
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Very good pub, a jewel in the Ipswich crown of thorns. Strong ale selection, pretty friendly for the 'switch. The idea that someone might 'visit' Ipswich can seem a bit odd to those of us who have lived there, but, if you do, take in this pub. Possibly the best in the town. It and the Fat Cat up the road should play 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' to sort out who is the prettiest.
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A very fine pub. Beautiful ales with around 10 to choose from and a selection of ciders. Two very able staff were welcoming and very efficient. The Landlord has put money in to this pub and it shows. A very sympathetic extension means that there is plenty of seating; a lot more than at first glance. It was a pity that we weren't able to try the food... that will have to wait until next time.
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One of the best pubs in the world. Lovely beers and a cosy atmosphere. It could easily be my second home. Be wary of spending too much time here, though; you'll drink far more than is good for you!!
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Love the Dove!
"I felt a little conscious of the fact that I was in a work jacket as the bar seemed to filled up with posh accents and a stare here" - I've regularly drunk there in workwear without issue; a large number of customers are tradesmen but, of course, it depends on what time you go as to who's there. I can state with confidence that aleworship's experience was an exception.
"the food is 70's washback, staff unfriendly and the smoking area can be best described as a knocked up camping awning" - A harsh comment on the food: it's not gastro-pub standard, just straightforward and wholesome; as a regular I always get a warm welcome but having watched the staff with other customers, I am absolutely baffled by this comment; the smoking area is a tip, but the whole area out the back is a work in progress with the conservatory and now the brewery occupying most of Ady's time.
"Unfortunately one or two of the staff need some education in pub etiquette" - If you mean you weren't served in turn, then (speaking as someone who's pulled a few pints) I can only say that it was likely inexperience or an accident, both of which we have all been "guilty" of.
You'll go a long way before you find a wider range of well kept beer which is number one on my list.
Customers sometimes forget that their experience of a pub is as much down to them, as it is to the staff and other customers...
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Certainly one of the best pubs that i've ever visited, always with a great selection of well kept ales. Unfortunately one or two of the staff need some education in pub etiquette. The landlady in particular, works very hard and so i would say, a visit to this pub is a visit and i'd be surprised if you're disappointed.
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Don't understand the last review at all. Have long been wanting to visit this pub, and finally succeeded on holiday recently. Only time for 2 halves, as I was driving, but both were well kept. The veggie curry was excellent also. Some people are very hard (perhaps even impossible to please) - the previous reviewer probably only likes Wetherspoons!
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A completely over rated pub! Although they have a good selection of beer and ale the food is 70's washback, staff unfriendly and the smoking area can be best described as a knocked up camping awning, i visited when it was raining and got quite wet, no heater and felt like i'd been shunned to a corner for being a smoker..would much rather go up to the fat cat where there are friendly welcoming staff, great home made bar snacks and a fantastic heated outside smoking area with proper seating and a gorgeous garden to look at..
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I love this pub great beer of mostly any style! Great pub only whinge is the indifferent service that has crept in of late the old inner circle system is back in force still has a special place in my heart as the primary ale house in town
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I always have enjoyed the beer here it is perfect in every way.
I felt a little conscious of the fact that I was in a work jacket as the bar seemed to filled up with posh accents and a stare here or there but i'm thick skinned and the ale was top class this and the mile stone have got to be the best pubs around here
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Absolutely top pub. 9 handpumps in operation, and about 6 beers out the back served straight from the cask, plus real cider and Westons Perry. A beer-lovers dream. All of the beers that we tried were very well-kept, and he staff and customers were really friendly. A spacious pub, and the food was pretty good. About a 20 minute walk from Portman Road, but well worth the effort.
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After a 04:45 start in Southampton, this place was a welcome stay for the night, Matt, a work colleague and regular helped me down a few pints along with curry from along the way that we could eat in the pub with their blessing.
The place is very relaxing, clean and warm and with a spectacular range of beers ( my local in Southampton is the South Western Arms so that sets out my reference standards for the range of beers!).
The beers were well kept and service was quick efficient and friendly, noticeable groups of regulars which is always comforting in city centre pubs...
I'll be there again on Thursday weeks for another curry but maybe not as much beer as the early start today was a killer!!!!!
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Great pub. Excellent range of ales, lots of them from local breweries. The food was really good and not expensive. Unlike the last poster I found the staff very freindly. It's a bit of a walk from the station and then back to Portman Road, but well worth it!
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On the whole a good local with excellent range of beers but i find the staff, with the exception of the lad with the mohican, unfriendly. It doesn't take much to greet people with a smile. Prefered it when John ran it in the 90s.
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Hosting a beer festival this week. Popped in this evening and there was an incredible range of unusual beers on offer and also about 20 ciders and perries. Black Pudding Mild (straight from the barrel in the marquee) and Spectrum Dark Fantastic (on handpump in the bar) were both in perfect condition.
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Having been brought up in Ipswich i can remember when it was a real ale desert and the only solace was a pint of Adnams in the County. Thankfully things have changed and the Dove more than makes up for those barren years. Back in town recently i called in for a few ales and as usual was impressed with both the choice of beers and the top condition they were kept in. Always a friendly vibe with a steady stream of customers. On my last visit the staff were very friendly and i was impressed with how they helped one older regular (?) who had supped a few and had lost his wallet. One of the staff ended up accompanying him home. Also tried some of the real ciders which not surpisingly tasted fresh and well kept. Will always call in when i'm back in town and look forward to trying some of their own ale when it goes into production.
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Having been brought up in Ipswich i can remember when it was a real ale desert and the only solace was a pint of Adnams in the County. Thankfully things have changed and the Dove more than makes up for those barren years. Back in town recently i called in for a few ales and as usual was impressed with both the choice of beers and the top condition they were kept in. Always a friendly vibe with a steady stream of customers. On my last visit the staff were very friendly and i was impressed with how they helped one older regular (?) who had supped a few and had lost his wallet. One of the staff ended up accompanying him home. Also tried some of the real ciders which not surpisingly tasted fresh and well kept. Will always call in when i'm back in town and look forward to trying some of their own ale when it goes into production.
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Having been brought up in Ipswich i can remember when it was a real ale desert and the only solace was a pint of Adnams in the County. Thankfully things have changed and the Dove more than makes up for those barren years. Back in town recently i called in for a few ales and as usual was impressed with both the choice of beers and the top condition they were kept in. Always a friendly vibe with a steady stream of customers. On my last visit the staff were very friendly and i was impressed with how they helped one older regular (?) who had supped a few and had lost his wallet. One of the staff ended up accompanying him home. Also tried some of the real ciders which not surpisingly tasted fresh and well kept. Will always call in when i'm back in town and look forward to trying some of their own ale when it goes into production.
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I think the rating, currently 7.4, is probably affected by having been held in a much lower regard under previous management(s).
Another good case for resetting the rating on change of management.
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The recent beer festival was excellent, over 70 beers, and the current lowly 7.3 score this pub has is a joke, BUT �3.50 for a burger? �2.50 for chips??
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The conservatory has now been finished and adds extra space for drinking. Apparently accommodation is the next thing on the agenda, which if done to the high standards of everything else in this pub will offer visitors a good place to stay after an evening on the beer. A large range of people drink here but it's always friendly and well humoured and never a sign of trouble. The pub also has a loyalty scheme where you get credit back the more you spend.
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Easily the best pub in Ipswich for the ale selection and ambience. I visit from London a couple of times a year the place is a hidden gem.
Will be back again soon
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Can't add much to what has been said. Simply a brilliant pub.
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An absoulutely exceptional ale house. 12 handpumps plus a choice from the tap room. One of the very few pubs outside London to serve draught Meantime beers. Lager drinkers are well catered for with a selection of quality imported brews, including fruit beers and the marvellous Budvar Dark. How many pubs sell dark lager at all, let alone on draught?? Four beer festivals per year, and a microbrewery is planned. Owners and staff always extremely welcoming. Only downside is that at busy times there's often very little hope of finding a seat. Otherwise top-class establishment, the best pub in Ipswich by far.
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If you think this pub is good now just wait till they have opened the microbrewery! They bought the premises next door last week.
legba - 29 Oct 2008 22:23 |
Brilliant as usual on our visit. Friendly, excellent beer - choice and quality - competitively priced food and good service. Keep it up guys!
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Wonderful pub with a superb range of beautifully kept ales. Holds regular beer festivals - in case the usual 20-odd ales are not enough :)
Three seperate drinking areas inside and plenty of outside seating - mostly under cover.
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lots and lots of beer. the choice is boggling and the staff are more than happy to oblige with tasters.
sadly the excellence of the dove comes at a price, and that's it's incredible popularity. a great pub to visit when it's not so busy, however during busy periods you may find yourself thinking of going elsewhere.
still it remains one of the best pubs in ipswich.
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Exceptional. Yesterday offered 12 handpumps, 10 in action, plus 12 on stillage in the �tap-room�. Not only does this represent the largest non-festival beer choice I�ve ever seen, but the selection was also sourced from no fewer than 17 different breweries. I sampled many and the quality was consistently excellent. Plain but comfortable d�cor, friendly staff & customers - happily gave directions to the Fat Cat (number 2 bus across road). Top notch drinking venue.
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Do not mist this pub at all costs. At least 14 ales on at most times along with some interesting fizz and a good bottle and malt selection. Adi�s beer from the wood can be most first-rate at times and Karen does a lovely job with the home made food.
The bar staff give time even when it�s packed and this can be the problem at times. Not the bar staff but if you�re going on a Friday or Saturday you�d better get in quick as it�s normally standing room only.
One of the best pubs in Ipswich and I love it. pubs don't get much better than this if you're in to propper beer.
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Wow! Another fine hostilely! On a par with Ipswich�s other fine real ale pub �The Fat Cat� but a little closer to the town centre. There was 16 Ales to choose from, again our small group got through the collection of best, ambers, milds and darks all of excellent quality. Ordered a few warm bar snacks, a plate from the Bar-B-Q and settled in to watch the Rugby on the main screen outside.
The main bar was very busy on the Sat� aft� we went and space in general is a little cramped if you are unlucky enough not to find a pew! There is also plenty to choose from with regards to continental lagers and ciders if real ale isn�t your bag! A classic that is now nearing greatness, book the afternoon/evening out with friends and enjoy�..!
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A PROPER PUB THAT DESERVES ALL THE AWARDS AND PRAISE IT GETS HAS CORNERED THE MARKET, THE BETTER PUB IS IS THE COUNTY FOR DECOR SHAME IT HASNT TAKEN OFF
BLAME IT ON THE GASTRO!!!
anonymous - 16 Oct 2007 17:43 |
Definitely the best pub in Ipswich, possibly the best pub in the whole of East Anglia. What a choice from either the front pumps on the bar or the extensive tap room selection. In all usually there are about 17 different ales covering all tastes from golden to amber to a choice of milds and a specialty fruit beer. There are also some real ciders and some of the better foreign beers both on tap and in bottles. I am sure they have a drink for everyone's tastes here. I have always found the pub very friendly and there's usually someone to talk to.
There are several different areas to sit if you don�t fancy sitting in the main bar. The pub also hosts at least 2 beer festivals a year that are definitely worth attending.
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Great Beer. Great atmostphere. Great pub. Always got loads of different beers on hand pump and gravity. Nice open bar, cosy room at back. Went to winter beer fest, it was awesome. Loads of stuff going on. 10/10
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Loads of real ale on tap! Compared to anything else in the town centre this pub has a fantastic choice of ale (along with the usual lager and some odd cider). Great atmosphere, friendly locals and regular beer festivals. What more do you want?
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What a pub! Never realised Ipswich had it in it! Had the Crouch Vale and an Archers brew- beeeaaaauuuutiful.
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Superb real ales-oriented pub. Great ranges of ales on gravity and cask, rotatet very often. Cosy place with medium-sized rooms and a barbecue in the back. The food was alright. Effective service and attentive barstaff. This is one of the best pubs we have been to so far in England.
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Without doubt the best pub in Ipswich. Great beer and friendly staff and clientele. CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year
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Stumbled on this place by accident on the way back from the Fat Cat. Great pub, good food, plenty of real ales and somewhere to sit on a Friday night. Really enjoyed it and would return.
anonymous - 9 Oct 2006 12:26 |
Stunning selection of real ale, well worth a visit.
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Good for the real ale peeps, but think the Grinning Rat is more up my street!
anonymous - 26 Jun 2006 03:34 |
another perfect drinking hole 15 ales on some on gravity and a great choice for all, some dark and some light ales good food served by very pleasant staff, a must for all who love beer and you have a choice of rooms to sit in as well as a garden what more could anyone ask!!. only a short walk from the center of ipswich or a bus no; 66 from the station
anonymous - 11 May 2006 16:33 |
Some of the beers are drawn straight from the cask so don't forget to look at the roof "beams" where they are displayed.
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This pub is a haven for the real ale drinker.15 beers on when visited yesterday.One large bar with two side rooms,one for peace and quiet.Three ciders also on.the staff and customers are very very friendly.No seriuos real ale drinker should miss this pub.I will certainly be making frequent visits.
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Excellent selection of beers at a very reasonable price. Excellent food. No smoking section. One main bar with only background music. Back room with projector TV. Beer garden.
Excellent overall.
willd - 20 May 2005 12:19 |
Single bar conversational pub with little music and an interesting mistures of beer types (porters and milds guest alongside the usual lagers, bitters and stouts). Patrons can get 40% discount from the adjacent indian takeaway.
Theo - 1 Nov 2004 16:22 |
Sister pub to the Milstone. Used to be the Tap and Spile. Great range of beer and differnt to the Milstone. Visit both.
Graham - 9 Oct 2004 17:49 |
