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Ipswich Woolpack

Ipswich Woolpack

formerly Wool Pack

South, 52.06182,1.15996

Cask Ale is sold here.

1 Tuddenham Rd, IP4 2SH

grid reference TM 167 450

bar / diner, opened 15th century

owner/operator: Punch Pubs & Co (Punch Taverns)

Contact:telephone(01473) 215862telephonewebsiteWebsiteFacebookFacebook

This friendly bar has the feel of a country pub, despite only being a short walk from the town centre. Adjacent to one of the entrances of Christchurch park, it comprises a tiny snug at front, flanked by a large lounge and a small public bar. A larger room at the back leads to a small car-park. It usually offers up to 6 well-kept Real Ales on hand pump and attracts a highly varied clientèle. The patio drinking area at the front is also often popular (weather permitting).

The pub offers an interesting and varied selection of good quality home-cooked food - including several fish options (they now serve food all seven days a week including breakfast, lunch and dinner). So indoors they offer a traditional pub menu including their very popular Sunday roast - all home made - whilst outside they have a take home pizza menu from their new "pop-up" Zia Marita's traditional Neapolita Pizzeria which is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Although the frontage only dates from the 18th century, the Woolpack is one of Ipswich's most ancient inns; one of only 24 listed in a town assessment of 1689 and built in a century or more earlier. It is one of the earliest brick-built pubs in the town. Legend suggests the existence of ancient smugglers' tunnels from the pub to the waterfront.

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Facilities

Facilities

Gallery

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Historical interest

Historical interest

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Landlords

Landlords

Footnote

Just inside the nearby Christchurch park is a memorial to nine "Ipswich martyrs" who were burnt at the stake for their adherence to the protestant faith, as part of the Marian persecutions. Two of the martyrs, Alexander Gooch (of Woodbridge) and Alice Driver (of Grundisburgh) were executed on 4th November 1558, just two weeks before Queen Mary's death.

(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)

(some information from Old inns of Suffolk by Leonard P Thompson)

(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)

(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)

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