To get the best out of this site you need Javascript enabled. If you cannot enable Javascript, please use the menu at the page bottom to navigate around the site.
Ipswich Royal Oak
Ipswich Royal Oak
South East, 52.04805,1.18125
closed 13th January 2014
opened 1882
last owner/operator: Punch Taverns
175 Felixstowe Rd, IP3 8EB
grid reference TM 182 436
The pub is shown on this old OS map from about the end of the 19th century. interactive map
In September 2015, after the pub had been closed for some time, it was announced that the Co-Op had bought it and intended to turn it into a hostel and drop-in centre for recovering street-drinkers and other addicts.
In 2021, it was converted into "a community café that will benefit homeless people".
This distinctive two roomed pub was extensively refurbished early in the 21st century, when it was knocked through to make one large room. It had a pool table and large screen TV showing sport.
There was live music several nights per week.
This is one of three pubs of this name to have existed in the town, the others having stood in Northgate Street and Tavern Street. The license from the Northgate Street pub was transferred here when this pub was opened in 1882.
Owner/operator: Patrician Inns
The newly redecorated lounge hosts live music three nights a week and jazz Sun. lunchtime. Good value beer, the high turnover of which ensures quality.
Beers: Draught Bass; Tetley Bitter.CAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
Gallery
Historical interest
John Chevallier COBBOLD, now residing at Holy Wells. Gentleman (Owner) & James Goodall GOODING, 39, Fore Hamlet, St Clements, dealer & the person desiring to hold a licence will apply for the provisional removal of the licence from the Royal Oak, Northgate Street, held by William BROWN (& apply for a new licence for) a house about to be erected, abutting Derby Road, towards the East & the Felixstowe Road, to the South, owned by John C. COBBOLD.Ipswich Journal, August 5th 1882***
On 5 Feb, Charles Fisk a bricklayer had previously been refused drink at the Royal Oak beerhouse on Felixstowe Road. Mrs Sarah Cook the landlady had served him with a beer at 10.30am after which he started using obscene language…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.