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Ipswich Lord Nelson (Nelson)
Ipswich Lord Nelson (Nelson)
formerly Noah's Ark
South West, 52.0535,1.16094
Cask Ale is sold here.
81 Fore St, IP4 1JZ
grid reference TM 168 441
bar / diner, opened pre-1672
owner/operator: Adnams
Set in a small part of the historic port area still remaining. It retains a half timbered front with dormer windows. An unusual gravity dispense system is used which incorporates a row of old wooden casks to good effect and guarantees temperature controlled cask ales.
Since mid-2017 the pub has been under the same management as the well-regarded Manningtree Red Lion. Some of cask beers are from Adnams, plus others from local micros.
Families are welcome to mix with an interesting and diverse clientèle which includes international travellers attracted from the rejuvenated wet dock and students from the new university campus. Booking maybe required for Sunday roasts and a curry night every Wednesday.
The building dates from the 17th century, though the brick frontage was added in the 20th to aid cleaning up after the many floods that affected the area. Originally called Noah's Ark, the name changed in about 1800 when Admiral Nelson was appointed High Steward of Ipswich.
Facilities
Accessible to disabled customers
Beer garden or other outside drinking area
Beer served direct from the barrel by gravity
Evening meals
Family friendly
Lunchtime meals (not just snacks)
Smoking area
Traditional pub games available
WiFi available: free.
Railway station about 0.8 miles away (see transport links for details)
Gallery
Nearest railway station
Historical interest
The pub is shown on this OS town plan from about 1880 (larger map).

Owner/operator: Adnams
Recently reopened dafter a stylish refurbishment. Wooden casks are for display only, the beer is actually served via a spear from a cool room behind the bar.
Beers: Adnams Bitter, Old, Extra, Broadside.CAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
As recently as the early 1990s, the pub was subdivided into a number of smaller rooms, compared to today's open-plan layout. The gents' toilet didn't even have a washbasin!
Part of the building) was previously called the Noah's Ark
In 1805 the new name of the Lord Nelson was first noticed in the Overseer's accounts of St Clement's parish…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
(*** Last Orders is a free local newsletter - published by Suffolk CAMRA memers since 1978)



Ipswich: 0.8 miles (1.3km)