Ipswich Olive Leaf
listed building grade II
last updated Nov 13th, 2025.
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Ipswich Olive Leaf
also traded as Olive Leaf, Grinning Rat
North East, 52.05646,1.16361
closed 1st June 2025
Closed mid-2025. Has been purchased for conversion to Indian restaurant
last owner/operator: Heineken UK
66-68 St Helen's St, IP4 2LA
grid reference TM 169 445
A 17th century timber-framed building, altered in the 19th century.
For most of its history, it traded as the Olive Leaf. More recently in the 21st century it became the Grinning Rat, then in 2020 Hank's (a vegan pub/restaurant). Closed permanently in 2025.
Gallery
Dove Street Inn 0.02 mile
Pony & Trap 0.06 mile
County of Suffolk 0.09 mile
Spread Eagle 0.19 mile
Salutation 0.21 mile
Lord Nelson 0.23 mileHistorical interest
Owner/operator: Greene King
Lively gay pub close to the Suffolk College.
Beers: Greene King IPA, Abbot.CAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
From the mid-1890s until 1909, my great great grandparents James and Emma Cross were licensees of what was then called The Olive Leaf Tavern in St Helen's Street. Whilst James continued to work as a printer, Emma ran the pub on her own and also looked after their son Charles and grandson William, who became my grandfather.Rod Cross
In 1937 the pub was listed in Kelly's Directory as one of 220 pubs that were retailing beer that they were brewing.
For many years the Olive Leaf was a gay pub. For some time after that it was owned by the Brett Vale Brewery (now King's Head) of Bildeston.
Also listed at 68 St Helen's Street.…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(*** Last Orders is a free local newsletter - published by Suffolk CAMRA memers since 1978)
