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Botesdale Greyhound
Botesdale Greyhound
North West, 52.34221,1.00437
Cask Ale is sold here.
The Street, IP22 1BS
grid reference TM 047 758
basic
Once a coaching in on the London-Norwich road, this no frills pub has lots of character. Bare floorboards, old furniture , old photos and taxidermy exhibits add to the atmosphere. Busy bar, quieter lounge/restaurant and a back room. Occasional live music Fridays, Food speciality is pizzas cooked in the wood-fired oven (not Sun, Mon) Parking is very limited. Free pool table in back room. Hog rolls Sunday lunchtime from October to April.
Note that parking at the pub is very limited.
The building dates from the late 15th century, though it was partly rebuilt and extended about 1600.
The spaniel on the sign (the sharp-eyed will have spotted that it's not a greyhound) is called Elvis and is owned by the pub's proprietor, Chris Burnard.
Planning permission has been granted for an on-site microbrewery, though this was some time ago and there appears to be no progress on it.
Facilities
- Beer festivals
- Beer garden or other outside drinking area: Patio
- Bus stop nearby (see transport links for details)
- Dogs welcome
- Evening meals
- Family friendly
- Live music: Occasional live music Fridays
- Parking: Limited
- Real fire
- Separate bar
- Smoking area
- Traditional pub games available: Pool, darts
Gallery
Nearest railway station
Other nearby Suffolk pubs
Historical interest
The pub is shown (though un-named) on this old OS map from about 1903 (interactive map)
Owner/operator: Pubmaster
Basic, but friendly drinkers pub.
Beer: Tolly Bitter.CAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
To be lett, at Midsummer next, the Greyhound-Inn in Botesdale, being a well accustomed House with a convenient Brewing-Office, and a very good Stable-Room, and all other Accommodation suitable thereto. Enquire of Mr Thomas More of Botesdale aforesaid.Ipswich Journal, May 3rd 1740***
To be lett, the Greyhound Inn in Botesdale.Ipswich Journal, April 7th 1753***
The Greyhound Inn, Botesdale, lately kept by Mrs Eliz. Yallop, Widow, is now taken by Wm. Barber from Chelmsford.Ipswich Journal, December 15th 1753
William Barber from Chelmsford..…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony, Kim or Keith - original sources are credited)
(some old PO historical directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(** information from Stuart Ansell)
(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)