IPSWICH.

The Emperor is on Norwich Road, the main road into Ipswich town centre from the A14 junction. It serves Tolly Mild 3.5% and Tolly Original 3.8%. It also serves guest ales and on this occasion they were Gales Butser 3.4% and Cains F.A. 5.0%. The landlord told me that Tolly Mild and Original are always available, with the other two constantly changing guest beers. The decor is traditional, well worn, with a real fire for the wintertime. Access for the disabled is easy, but there is no separate toilet. Food is served here and is a small range of bar snacks only in the pub and served all day. There is also accommodation here. Though basic it is comfortable. Alas no en-suite bathrooms, but clean, spacious rooms. Good value for money. The pub has a very handy location with private car parking for residents. Bar is a very mixed local with some good characters. Ideal for visitor looking for some excellent beer and good conversation prior to crashing out. The pub was fine for me, but if I wanted to get to bed before closing time in the bar it might be difficult. Nice and quiet at night though.

What can you say about a pub like this, other than it has to be the best in Ipswich and Suffolk. You can get up to 20 real ales at any one time in a friendly atmosphere that eases away tensions. Although it does very basic food and I mean basic, it does allow you to go across the road and get a take-away to bring in. In the end we had a picnic, well why not, it allowed us to stay longer and drink more beer! Situated on the brow of a steep hill, there is no parking whatsoever on Spring Road, except one maybe two spaces on the pub forecourt (see photo) - try Upland Rd round the corner. From the outside the Fact Cat looks innocuous, but once inside you are in a wood - wood floors, wood partitions, wood walls, bar, stools (at the bar) tables, chairs, etc. This gives it a friendly, relaxed feel without the Firkin fear of rowdy youth. Too many beers on at time of visit to list, but if you know the sister pub in Norwich, then you know you are in for a treat. They also serve a selection of Belgian bottled beers, a real cider and fruit wines. There are two entrances to the pub, both at the front. The entrance on the right is more direct to the bar, neither here nor there really. There are at least three distinct drinking areas in the pub. The bar is to the left and is dark wood with bar stools and an overhang. Chalk boards above give you details of the beer choice. Most beers are served direct from the stillage in the cellar behind the bar, so don't go looking for 20 hand pumps. All beers were perfect and no need to ask for the sparkler off either! The other two areas here are seating with benches and tables. The walls are covered with old pub memorabilia. The toilets are here too, they are clean and basic. By the way, access for the disabled is difficult as there are steps to the pub - click photo to enlarge. They have built a conservatory at the back which is light and airy and surprisingly big. There are however, only four tables out here - of the big old kitchen variety with benches and chairs round them. So be prepared to share your intimacy with others. As there is no music or fruit machines, the sound of other people's conversation is all you have. There is a beer garden out back with grass and you are welcome to camp on it if you ask in advance. Children welcome if well behaved. Access by rail is possible if you get off at Derby Rd. An excellent place to stop and on summer Sunday afternoons, they usually hold BBQ's in the garden. Also try the Milestone Beer House at the bottom (town end) of Woodbridge Rd.

	Symbols:		Open:	Monday-Saturday:	Sunday:	Map	Pics:
				12-11 (11-11 Sat)	12-10.30	View

Licensed since 1653 and completely renovated in November 1996, this charming old inn with its wealth of oak beams and barrels behind the bar, offers the discerning customer a different experience in the centre of Ipswich. With a large range of well kept Adnams ales, a huge fireplace, traditional wooden tables and an array of naval ornaments on show, this pub/restaurant is steeped in history and a must to visit. There is a non-smoking restaurant area where a good range of popular food is served 7 days a week. They also cater for business lunches or family evening meals and are more than happy to accommodate your office party. Call proprietor Don Williamson and sort it out. Conveniently located in the centre of Ipswich and opposite the docks, the Lord Nelson Inn is easy to find. A sample of the food is: Homemade soup £1.95, Smoked salmon & scrambled eggs £3.95, Rib eye steak £6.95, Suffolk pub steak pie £4.95, Sausage & mash £4.50, (for veggies Creamy Pesto Pasta Spirals £3.95, Mushroom Stroganoff £4.50). Food is served Monday to Saturday 11.30 - 2.30 and 6-9.30, Sunday 12-2.30. There is accommodation here from single £22, double £38 per room, per night.

A Mock Tudor pub opposite the Odeon cinema with a large drinking beer garden outside. Serves Adnams, Fullers Greene King and guest beers, up to 12 at times. A real cider is also available. Once inside, there is an open-plan area served by a single 'L' shaped bar. Seating is tables and chairs and there is a real fire for the winter months and smoke extractors for the summer when smoke gets in your eyes. Food is served lunch and evening (5-9pm) and the selection is varied including vegetarian and vegan meals. Evening meals are not served Thursday to Sunday as there is music in the pub. Access for the disabled is possible. Web site: www.milestonebeerhouse.co.uk