The Brewery Tap, Ipswich

I've drunk here (on and off) since the Brewery Tap very first opened, so I was more than a little pleased when the Cliff Quay Brewery opened.

However, the pub itself was disappointing: irregular opening times, disinterested and ignorant staff etc. Obviously the brewer was concentrating on the brewery; but the pub suffered.

Since a couple took over the management of the pub it has been transformed. With "him" in the kitchen and "her" behind the bar and a full complement of enthusiastic staff it's a well run operation!

The food (both meals and bar snacks) is of a high standard and the beer quite excellent (there are plenty of guests beers as well as the brewery's own.

A recent mini-beer festival shows real commitment and I hope they have the success they deserve.

It's just a shame that they are a little of the beaten track as for many customers this means driving.

21 Nov 2010 15:55

The Emperor Inn, Ipswich

My first visit since the new landlord took over, although when on that side of town I was a regular, so know it well.

Big improvement: although the last landlord kept good beer, the pub was more than a little frayed around the edges.

Both inside and out (including the garden) have been smartened-up.

I had Black Sheep and Youngs which were in good form (it's "red-nosed" Rae's local, so no worries on that front); the landlord was welcoming (just the right amount of banter).

It's not a "real ale pub" as such, it's a "local" that serves good beer.

I'll be back, preferably on a harsh Winter's day when I'll enjoy something black and strong in the leather sofa by the open fire.

21 Nov 2010 15:35

The Dove, Ipswich

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...

21 Nov 2010 15:01