After an early start from Harlow Mill I arrived at Ely (having done a direct train from Stansted Airport). A short change here allowed me to nip into the bar on the platform!
Platform 1 Bar
A small bar situated on the platform (I dont recall it serving drinks last time). Selection of standard beers/ciders on draught, with a choice of real ale bottles in the fridge.
Norwich
Train direct now from Ely to Norwich. Theres currently a “Pub Festival” on from 22nd July to 29th August, featuring a large number of pubs in Norwich and surrounding villages. You can get stamps from pubs in each area (and collect a coloured wristband when youve completed that section).
Coach & Horses
A walk to a pub a few minutes away from the Railway Station, The Coach & Horses. This is home also to “Chalk Hill Brewery”.
A great range of 9 of their own beers ranging from Pale to Bitter through to Dark.
Managed to get through 4 different beers before heading back down for the train to Ipswich. All of which were really good and tasty (and worth the slightly uphill walk for).
Ipswich
Onto the train now to Ipswich (direct from Norwich), only calling at Diss and Stowmarket. Around a 40 minute journey. Havent been to Ipswich for quite a few years, but always remember the train station is a bit of a walk from the town centre. “The Big Hoot 2022” is also on in Ipswich – 50 individually designed Big Hoot owls placed around Ipswich for everyone to see and enjoy.
The Dove Street Inn
A steady walk from the train station out to The Dove Street Inn. A great multi room pub with a huge conservatory and outside areas at the back, looks really great and welcoming!
A great range of beers was on the bar as I walked in (12 of them) so a really good choice!
Went with 2 beers from their brewery which is situated over the road and opened in July 2011. “Dove Gold” and “Apples & Pears” were the 2 beers, both tasted great.
The Lord Nelson Inn
A walk heading back towards town now to call in at The Lord Nelson Inn. Set in a small part of the historic port area still remaining. It retains a half timbered front with dormer windows, and itself dates from the 17th Century although has had some work done. The name of the pub itself changed in 1800 when Admiral Nelson was appointed High Steward of Ipswich.
Beers served on Gravity here rather than on handpulls. Went with beers from Earl Soham and Red Fox Breweries. Both breweries ive not seen before. Great small beer garden behind the pub aswell.
Briarbank Brewery
Directly over the road is Briarbank Brewery. Situated over two floors with the tap room bar serving from upstairs. The downstairs bar is used on busier days.
A large choice of keg beers, alongside a single cask beer (usually more than one on). Styles ranging from pales, through to datk and DIPAs. Went with the Mango New England IPA. Delicious and refreshing.
The Spread Eagle
Heading further into town now to The Spread Eagle. A very distinctive Grade 2 listed building, that was refurbished and opened in Summer 2015.
4 cask ales available on the bar, all from Grain Brewery from Harleston, Suffolk. Couldn’t decide between two so went with the “Hazy Birthday” and “Threeonesex”. Great beer garden in the back aswell here.
Arcade Street Tavern
A small bar in the town centre. Lovely small bar which has a big emphasis on craft beer (alongside 2 cask ales). Very quirky looking inside with a wooden interior, and some seats outside also.
Went with the “Brewers Gold” from Crouch Vale Brewery (and enjoyed a nice seat outside in a shady breezy spot)
St Judes Brewery Tavern
Last call of the day in Ipswich, a walk out of town again. Owned and run by St Judes Brewery.
A great selection of ales available here served direct from casks, alongside mini pins of real cider (also brewed here).
Started with “Galleon” from St Judes followed by “Celtic Queen” from Iceni. Decided to try a couple of the ciders after. Raspberry Rush and Hazelnut Perry.
Nice small outside area at the back aswell.
Micropub Adventures 