Brandeston Queen
last updated Nov 29th, 2023.
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Brandeston Queen
also traded as Queen's Head, King's Head?
South West, 52.19784,1.28956
Closed: 21st century
Closed late 2022; the owner has been trying to get planning permission for residential conversion
last owner/operator: Adnams
The St, IP13 7AD
grid reference TM 249 606
The pub can be seen on this old OS map from about 1903 (interactive map)
The timber lined interior wasn extensively refurbished to a high standard. ⅓ pint option was also available.
The pub had a good reputation for food.
Renamed in early 2016.
According to A Survey of Suffolk Parish History, the Queen's Head was originally built about 1447, but the current building dates from 1956 after it had to be rebuilt following a fire.
In Richard Cobbold's 1845 novel The History of Margaret Catchpole, which is loosely based on Catchpole's life, he relates an episode where after meeting her in Brandiston(sic), Margaret's lover Will Laund says, "[...] I shall just go into the King's Head, refresh myself, and start again for the coast by daylight". Since Cobbold seems reliable when talking about pubs, we can be reasonably confident this was a genuine old name and not an error.
Gallery
Chequers 0.97 mile
Bell 1.31 miles
Victoria 1.92 miles
Old Mill House 2.4 miles
White Horse 2.4 miles
Station Hotel 2.7 milesHistorical interest
Owner/operator: Adnams
Excellent and attractive village pub. The interior has three distinct areas - a main bar/eating area, a family room with plenty of games and small back bar, reserved solely for drinkers. The well tended grounds incorporate play equipment and a camp site. Good value meals and beer.
Beer: Adnams Mild, Bitter, Old, Broadside.CAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
James Watling respectfully informs gentlemen and travellers and others, that having obtained a license for the sale of wine, spirituous liquors, ales etc., he has fitted up his house convenient for that purpose. Ipswich Journal, Dec 1810**
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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)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
