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Ipswich Spread Eagle
Ipswich Spread Eagle
North West, 52.05534,1.15956
Cask Ale is sold here.
1-3 Fore St, IP4 1JW
grid reference TM 167 443
basic
owner/operator: Grain Brewery
This distinctive Grade 2 listed building is the sole survivor of four pubs which once stood at this junction.
Recent refurbishment during summer 2015 restored the whole building to a high standard and the split level bar has been sympathetically furnished throughout. Now up to six real ales on hand-pump (all from Grain) plus a wide selection of craft and imported beers. A selection of imported bottled beers are also available. Some bar snacks and daytime food options are available.
Sadly the refurbishment included replacing the attractive red & yellow external paintwork with a dull grey.
The building dates from the 16th or 17th century.
Facilities
- Beer festivals: October
- Beer garden or other outside drinking area
- Beer served through handpumps
- Bus stop nearby (see transport links for details)
- Dogs welcome
- Live music
- Pub sells beer from local brewers
- Quiet pub - no electronic games, piped music or jukebox
- Real fire
- Smoking area
- WiFi available
Railway station about 0.9 miles away (see transport links for details)
Gallery
Nearest railway station
Other nearby Suffolk pubs
Historical interest
The pub is shown on this OS town plan from about 1880 (larger map)>
Owner/operator: Allied Domecq
Stylish refurbishment exposing much of the original brickwork. Very popular with students in the eve. The sole survivor of four pubs which once stood on each corner of the crossroads.
Beers: Adnams Bitter; Ind Coope Burton Ale; Tetley Bitter; buest beer (Tapster's Choice).CAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
To be sold, the Spread Eagle Inn, near St Clement's Parish, in Ipswich, with a good Slaughter-House, good Conveniences for Brewing and all Brewing Utensils to be sold, ready fist…
Landlords
Footnote
The spread eagle was originally a Roman sign and later used by many countries including Austria, Germany, Russia, Spain & France. The sign is also used by many English noble families. Its popularity as an inn sign owes a lot to the fact that it was the device of Catherine of Aragon.
(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)
(*** Last Orders is a free local newsletter - published by Suffolk CAMRA members since 1978)