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.

The Grinning Rat's license was revoked in May 2019 due to "underage visitors, late night drinking sessions, drug-dealing, fighting and dealing in stolen goods".