Thatchers Arms, Mount Buresback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I popped in on Saturday 10th whilst on a cycle around Essex and Suffolk, ignoring the alluring advances of the Weston Homes for the U's first home game v Port Vale. They had 4 handpumps including a mild and we both settled on the 5.5abv Dark Star Red Shift after having a taster. Wonderful pint, despite the strength it was very quaffable and we could easily have had a couple more but for the cycling. Lovely view across the valley, just a shame the weather was cloudy and, unsurprising as we were atop the Mount Bures, pretty cool. Well worth a visit and made me wished I still lived in the area. 7/10
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Wonder view across the Stour Valley on a summer's evening, worth going for that alone. Service rather slow on my visit but the pub was very busy at time. Recommended.
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I went to a Christening reception here some 6 or 7 years ago and the food, ambience and decor were dire. I'm happy to say that situation is now quite reversed. Food is good quality, locally sourced and nicely cooked. The fish & chips, the BLT and the steaks all superb. The chips are lovely, fresh and crisp. I have special dietary needs and they were cheerfully accommodated as far as possible. The sticky toffee pudding is to die for, served with a lovely ice cream speckled with vanilla. Welcome is friendly and helpful. Beers nicely kept. Highly recommended.
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My wife and I have just returned from spending the August Bank Holiday weekend camping in the field attached to the Thatchers Arms (the fee - a discretionary donation to the Suffolk Air Ambulance Service). We couldn't have had a warmer welcome from the landlord Mitch. It's a family run pub with great local support. Five well chosen, well kept and mainly locally sourced real ales. Also an eclectic selection of Belgian and American bottled beers, although I didn't get around to trying any of them. The food is also locally sourced and great quality. I can recommend the pork belly - superb. We found all the staff to be attentive and enthusiastic. We shall return.
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Hmm. I've got mixed feelinges for this pub. The trouble is, I rememer how it used to be - anyone out there who remembers the days of Gerald and Connie will know what I'm on about. The interior is a bit 1970's bungalow, but to be fair it is clean and tidy.
The views are excellent, and it's worth visiting for this alone. Oddly enough, the pub nearly didn't survive WW2, as a US Thunderbolt crashed nearby, missing the pub by about 75 yards. Also, visit the Norman Motte next to the church - no explanations - just do it.
I can't comment on the food, but on the few occasions we've been there it looks pretty good. I've had a mix of service from blooming excellent, to disinterested. I don't know, suck it and see I suppose. Maybe I visited on an off day.
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What a lovely pub!
I visited with my partner a few weeks ago and had a delicious meal - I had the lamb rack which was superb and my partner had fish and chips which was cooked perfectly. All the food miles are on the back of the menu (!) so you know that the food is local and fresh which is great.
The drinks range is enourmous including Belgian beers and decent wines. My partner was particularly pleased that there were four local cask ales on. There seemed to be a lot of events taking place at the pub which were advertised on the back of the menu - I will be at the next farmers market.
I would strongly reccommend a visit !
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Did I go to a different pub? It looks identical from the outside and it's also in Mount Bures, but there the comparisons with other commentators� experiences stop.
The Roast Lamb was a cheap cut of meat and pretty average, complimented by bland, overcooked vegetables.
Decor is equally bland � there�s no personality to the place.
The ales were superbly kept, though, and service cheerful enough but I can't say I'll be rushing back - the 9.6/10 rating is completely astonishing and gives a false impression, considering the number of wonderful pubs out there.
If you're passing, skip the food, grab a beer and sit in the garden with the lovely views.
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I selected The Thatchers again yesterday to take my family to celebrate my Nan's 90th birthday. Thanks for reserving the best table in the pub which looks outwards to the marvellous view over the countryside. The table comfortably sat the six of us with enough space for plates and drinks. The food was all very good and as advertised on the w/site, selected from local suppliers where possible. The Adnams beer battered haddock looked fantastic and I understand was very tasty. My family also ordered from the specials monk fish and plaice dishes which were also very tasty.
Three hand pumped local ales were available yesterday. Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Adnams The Bitter and one of the ever name changing golden beers from Mighty Oak. The keg produced Meantime Stout is now a permanent fixture in the pub. This unfortunately removes one of the ever changing real ales they used to offer.
The service as always was excellent again yesterday; nothing seemed to be too much trouble. My partner asked for an addition to her order and I think ordered at least 4 coffees as driving. None of this was greeted with anything less than helpfulness. I will definitely being visiting again soon, probably during the pubs beer festival next month (May 22nd - May 26th).
Towards the end of our visit yesterday another couple who seemed to complain unnecessarily about the chips. When they left rather unfortunately the gentleman fell over in the car park. Even though they had previously complained the staff could not have moved quicker to help the unfortunate customer.
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A welcome return to The Thatchers Arms again today. Excellent ales as usual. Good to hear that they ask which type of glass you like your ale served in (straight or handled).
Tried the 'Roast Rib of 28 Day Hung Local Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, Real Gravy,
Roast Potatoes & Fresh Seasonal Vegetables'.
Very helpful and friendly staff served throughout the meal and even offered to deliver fresh drinks to the table. Whilst not the cheapest sunday lunch around a very nice meal and fantastic service.
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Excellent beer, super food, all fresh, cooked on the premises and sourced locally and really friendly staff. What more could you ask? Oh yes, and the dog is the best behaved you will meet this side of Ipswich!
GandT - 16 Dec 2007 17:19 |
Wonderful pub that you must visit.
The young couple that run this free house have only been there just over a year and already they are on the short list for 'local pub of the year' in their area.
Three real ales from local breweries are available and ALL were in ace condition. They also had Meantime Stout available on draught (electric pull as served by the brewery itself) pure nectar.
The food was also very good and they use as many local ingredients as they can. I met the egg supplier in the bar so know that it is fact. Sausage and Mash plus a wonderful pud to finish. Can't get much better than this.
Support the true local pub and visit this one as soon as you can. The true counrty pub is under threat so use them while you still can.
Well done the two of you, keep up the good work.
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I can't believe that this pub is not in the current GBG when so many other, poorer pubs are. Since it changed hands, the beer has been excellent. The food is rather decent too. You can sit outside, supping your excellent pint and admire the view over the stour valley.
The country pub experience doesn't get much better than this. Just wish I lived closer so I could enjoy it more often.
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There was 4 local real ale's on when we visited. Adnams Best,Railway Tavern Crab & Winkle(rare), Crouch Vale Brewers Gold and a Summer Ale from Mersea Island. Good to see only local breweries being supported here. The food smelt very nice although I did not try on this visit. The staff were very friendly during our visit and I am sure we will return and try the food.
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Just been to their mini beer festival. Great. Excelent choice of regular beers, food looked delicious, but didn't try it. Very friendly staff, well worth a visit!!
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The Thatchers is set between the Stour & Colne Valleys on the Essex & Suffolk Borders. The views from the pub, set on the top of the hill just outside Mount Bures, are stunning.
Freshly cooked, tradtitional rustic pub food, sourced locally wherever possible.
Great local beers from Adnams to Crouch Vale, Mauldons & Nethergate. Also a great range of World Beers on Draught & Bottled.
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