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Although the government has now allowed pubs to reopen, many are still unable to do so safely, while most if not all are only able to accommodate limited numbers of customers. Many of them are still reliant on providing takeaway food and/or drinks. Some offer deliveries, while others are selling from the premises. This page lists details of those we know about.
Update: pubs which are known to have reopened are now also listed. Please let Tony know if you know of pubs not listed that have reopened.
If you can give any of our pubs some support through these difficult times by buying some takeaway food or drink, please do so. Our pubs need as much support as possible if they're going to still be there for us when the crisis is over.
Combs Ford Magpie
opening hours
12-11 Mon; 4-11 Tue; 12-11 Wed & Thu; 12-midnight Fri & Sat; 12-10.30 Sun
food times
12-2.30, 6-8.30; 12-5 Sun
guest beers
This pub serves 3 guest ales.
listed building grade II
Combs Ford is part of the Stowmarket parish.
Local licensing authority for Combs Ford is Mid Suffolk
CAMRA Ipswich & East Suffolk branch.
last updated Jun 7th, 2020.
Something we've got wrong about this establishment? Something more you think we should know about it? Please email us
Combs Ford Magpie
Real Ale is sold here.
1 Combs Rd, IP14 2AP
grid reference TM 050 577
opened before 1619
A large Free House, serving at least 6 real ales, with four guest beers generally available.
It offers a variety of drinking areas including two main bars and a garden, and has an interesting range of food in the restaurant.
There's a full traditional Carvery every Sunday (with 3 meats carved for you and you can help yourself to fresh vegetables). Booking is always advisable to secure a table.
There's live entertainment most Fridays, from bands to karaoke, all semi professionals, including Jazz, Soul, Motown, Reggae, rock, etc with the occasional Sunday afternoon Jazz, and Friday/Saturday music.
The building dates from the early 17th century, with late 20th century alterations.
There's an annual gin festival, with over 240 different types available.…
Facilities
Accessible to disabled customers
Beer garden or other outside drinking area: New beer garden
Beer served through handpumps
Bus stop nearby (see transport links for details)
CAMRA members' discount scheme: On production of a current membership card
Cash machine
Cask Marque accredited
Evening meals
Family friendly
Live music: Most Friday nights
Lunchtime meals (not just snacks)
Parking
Restaurant or separate dining area
Separate bar
Traditional pub games available
WiFi available
Railway station about 0.8 miles away (see transport links for details)
Gallery
Nearest railway station
Stowmarket: 0.8 miles (1.3km)Other nearby Suffolk pubs
Gladstone Arms 0.03 mile
Willow Tree 0.40 mile
Oak 0.47 mile
Queen's Head 0.59 mileHistorical interest
The pub is shown on this old OS map from about 1903 (interactive map)
The pub was called the Pye (or Pie) before 1726. It may be listed at Ford.
It was owned by John Cobbold from 1805.
Frederick Robinson was charged with uttering a counterfeit shilling at the Magpie, he claimed he had found the coin on the Stowmarket Road. This produced sufficient doubt with the jury and he was acquitted.Ipswich Journal, August 7th 1869** (when Sarah & Edward Youngs were the landlord & landlady)
The owner in 1997 was Pubmaster.
It was sold by Punch in June 2013 and is now a Free House.
Landlords
Footnote
The name may refer to an ancient meaning for the word magpie, "a half pint".
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(detailed information from Neil Langridge - and also Brian Southgate - see their book "Stowmarket, Combs and Stowupland Pubs" published by Polstead Press in 2009)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
(1891 census information from Dudley Diaper)
