Crown, East Rudham

I met my wife in this pub before it's transformation. It was a true local and rough around the edges pub but it had character and the punters were colourful and entertaining. Where has Tommy Cooper gone??? Nowadays it is populated by "Hooray Henries" and people who wear red cord trousers whose names are Rupert, Pheobe and Penelope.... The local element has been eradicated as has the charm. Former punters are now restricted to a drinking area in one corner of the pub. That all said, the food is good and a pleasant place to take your relatives. I suggest booking in advance on a Sunday and if you want to park your car, get there early before the 4-wheel drives clutter the parking area.

1 Nov 2009 11:58

The Emperor Inn, Ipswich

Our local pub as it's the only half decent boozer west of the town centre and within a 10 minute stagger from our house. We used to go there before it changed hands and it has improved. The decor is fresher and Andy has introduced food to the menu which is a good thing. The beer is always pretty good. It's a little pricey but it's better than going to any of the pubs within a 10 minute walk radius. The staff are friendly and it's a pub that definitely fits into the category of "it's better than it looks from the outside". People are always friendly in the pub and they allow dogs. The punters are pretty loyal and there is a Quoits pitch at the back which is well used and maintained. They even have their own team.

1 Nov 2009 11:49

Mannings, Ipswich

Another one of our favourite pubs in Ipswich, probably our favourite truth be known. The food is good and well priced (i.e. cheap), the beers and ciders are good. We are spoilt for choice with there being Aspall's, Kronenbourg and Stella on draft as well as some good real ales. Marion is great fun as is her son Mark. It's a great place to spend a few hours - people watching (Corn Hill). It's got a great atmosphere with a good choice of places to sit (inside and out). It's worth paying a little bit extra for a pint for this atmosphere. It is a million times more atmospheric than it's neighbouring waterhole with initials TGL.

1 Nov 2009 11:39