android appIpswich Fat Cat
opening hours
- Mon-Sat: 1200-2300
- Sun: 1200-2200
regular real ales
- Adnams Southwold Bitter [H]
- Woodforde's Wherry [G]
guest beers
This pub serves 14 guest ales.
Local licensing authority for Ipswich is Ipswich Borough Council
CAMRA Ipswich & East Suffolk branch.
last updated May 11th, 2022.
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Ipswich Fat Cat
formerly Spring Tavern
North, 52.05905,1.18103
Real Ale is sold here.
288 Spring Rd, IP4 5NL
grid reference TM 181 448
Freehouse, opened Victorian (renamed 1996)
owner/operator: Liz Pledge & John Keatley
A popular small, multi-roomed real ale bar with no music and no games machines. The conservatory to the rear of the pub creates an airy space in contrast to the cosy bar areas and leads out to the pretty garden.
Only two handpumps, but don't be fooled; there's an extensive range of well-kept Real Ales served direct from casks in the taproom. Look at the blackboards above the bar for a list of what's currently available. Regular favourites such as Adnams and Woodforde's are to be found alongside a changing range of ales from around the region and the country. There's also a small but carefully chosen range of Belgian bottled ales.
The pub regularly stocks four or five real ciders…
Facilities
Beer garden or other outside drinking area
Beer served direct from the barrel by gravity
Beer served through handpumps
Bus stop nearby (see transport links for details)
Cider (real draught, not keg) available
Dogs welcome: well behaved on a lead
Lunchtime meals (not just snacks): snacks - famous for its scotch eggs!
Newspapers available
Quiet pub - no electronic games, piped music or jukebox
Smoking area: heated area in garden
Special events: monthly quiz nights on Mondays
WiFi available: Code is displayed on the blackboards above the bar
Railway station about 0.6 miles away (see transport links for details)
Gallery
Nearest railway station
Derby Road: 0.6 miles (1.0km)
Old Times 0.06 mile
Brickmakers' Arms 0.29 mile
Case is Altered 0.31 mile
Lattice Barn 0.50 mile
Duke 0.50 mile
Gardener's Arms 0.77 mileHistorical interest
To the overseers of the poor of the parish of St Margaret, and to the superintendant of the police: I, Giles Catchpole, of Spring Road, builder and beer retailer, do hereby give notice of my intention to apply at the next licensing meeting for a license to sell Exciseable liquors by retail to be consumed on the premises at a house occupied and now owned by me called the Spring Tavern, Spring Road, which has not been kept as an Inn, Alehouse, or Victualling House within three years preceding this notice.I also give notice of my intention to apply at the next licensing meeting for a certificate under the ‘Wine and Beer Act, 1869,’ authorizing the grant to me of a license to sell by retail beer to be consumed on the premises at a house in Spring Road, Ipswich, called the Spring Tavern…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
