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Cratfield Poacher
Cratfield Poacher
South West, 52.32569,1.39301
closed January 2017
opened 1979
Bell Green, IP19 0BL
grid reference TM 313 751
The Poacher was an absolute gem! It had only been a pub since 1979, having been a shop previously. The internal timbering created a timeless atmosphere.
The pub could be difficult to find; entertainer Doc Cox (AKA Ivor Biggun) told BBC Radio Suffolk's Lesley Dolphin that he gets within two miles and the lady on his sat-nav bursts into tears.
There was occasional live music.
In mid-November 2015 the EADT reported that a planning application to convert the Poacher to residential use had been lodged. This has since been granted and the pub closed at the beginning of 2017.
Gallery
Historical interest
Owner/operator: free
Unique country pub. The pleasant interior is packed with a plethora of interesting bric-a-brac, including a collection of stuffed animals. Watch out for the spiders! The exterior is frequently shrouded by giant inflatables. Well worth a visit to experience the good beer and madcap landlord.
Beers: Adnams Bitter, Broadside; Greene King IPA, Abbot; guest beerCAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)