Your Guide to a Great Night Out in Ipswich by ALL ABOUT IPSWICH

Your guide to

a great night Out in Ipswich

IPSWICH BEST BAR NONE

2013/2014

THE MARK OF A SAFER NIGHT OUT

IPSWICH BEST BAR NONE

WHAT IS

Best bar none? Best Bar None is a mark of national recognition adopted by over 100 towns and cities and is aimed at promoting responsible management and operation of alcohol licensed premises.

The scheme encourages and enhances the town as a safe place to live, work and play and aims to: • Reduce alcohol related crime and disorder in Ipswich • Improve the night-time economy in Ipswich for everyone • Make Ipswich a more pleasant place for bar staff to work in, the police to patrol and for those on a night out.

To be recognised by Ipswich Best Bar None, businesses have to: • Meet a minimum national benchmark • Provide a high level of service to customers • Reach a number of nationwide targets before they qualify Any licensed premises displaying the Best Bar None Logo or plaque worked hard at achieving customer satisfaction by taking proactive steps to provide a responsibly managed and safe environment for you to enjoy. Businesses that have gone above and beyond expectations of the Best Bar None criteria have been awarded further recognition as seen on pages 4-12 of this brochure. B ROUGHT TO Y OU B Y :

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W INNER The Dove Street Inn is a fantastic pub in the east of Ipswich on St Helenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Street. The pub offers a vast selection of real ales and ciders served by welcoming owners, Ady and Karen and their bar staff. The pub provides a great range of food, not forgetting their tasty summer BBQs. The pub is well known for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fantastic Beer Festivals that are held throughout the year in the enclosed Beer Garden. Most recently the pub has developed its premises across the road into a Bed and Breakfast and a Brewery. With a fantastic group of staff, great food and a wide range of drinks, there is no better pub to stay, eat and drink in than The Dove Street Inn.

The Owner of The Dove, Ady Smith, shares some information about his fantastic pub... What is the secret to running a successful pub, microbrewery and bed & breakfast? The secret to our pub is hard work, honesty, looking after our customers and being prepared to think outside the box and try new ideas. What do you think is unique about the late night economy in Ipswich? Ipswich has been awarded the ‘Purple Flag’ which shows the public that the ‘night time economy’ (Ipswich town centre at night; or including bars, pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas) is a vibrant and safe place to eat and drink in the evening, unlike some other towns and cities in the Eastern region. Can you tell us a bit about your unique microbrewery? We boast our own microbrewery, providing a new route to market for our quality beers. They are usually available on hand pump on the bar or from the tap room, directly from the barrel. We also supply some local beer festivals and a couple of free houses. What is the favourite drink at The Dove and the microbrewery? The main favourite drink at the Dove is ‘cask ale’ and our biggest sellers are Crouch Vale Brewers Gold (a light gold refreshing beer), Dove Street ‘OIL’ ...Old Ipswich Liquor..which is brewed on site here, OIL is a dark roasted beer with lots of deep malty flavours. Woodforde’s Wherry is a very popular session beer, a traditional bitter style, and for the non-ale drinkers we offer a further choice of 20 draught products including fruit and wheat beers, continental lagers and cask ciders.

76 St Helen’s Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 2LA 01473 211270

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WINNER

Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award 2011/2012/2013

Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award Bowmans Bar and Lounge opened in Ipswich in 2010 offering a kind of bar that the town had desperately been in need of. Open until midnight during the week and 3am at the weekend, Bowmans has established itself as one of the key venues in the town boasting a friendly, exciting and safe atmosphere. The bar provides a range of drinks and a tasty lunchtime food menu but its specialty cocktails are not to be missed. Their challenging quiz night on every last Thursday of the month make for an entertaining night out. Bowmans attracts a sophisticated crowd operating an over 21â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy on Friday and Saturday nights. Coupled with their popular resident DJ ensures an unforgettable night out. There is also a fantastic, heated, outside party deck for the beautiful summer evenings and cosy winter nights. Whether you are arranging a birthday celebration or a company event, Bowmans Bar is the best place in Ipswich to throw the ultimate private party.

1 Falcon Street, Ipswich IP1 1SH 01473 218118

Supported by Ipswich Star

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groove Groove is the town’s famous retro bar and club. Located on Northgate Street, it is home to the best party music spanning the 70s, 80s and 90s. The glitzy vibe and retro themed decor offers Ipswich clubbers something completely unique. Every night there is a fantastic party atmosphere which makes it perfect for a trip down memory lane with friends as well as a lively night out. Groove suits all clientele, individuals and corporations alike, whether it’s a birthday, hen night, anniversary or leaving celebration. The club is a great hire venue for all, offering space for up to 550 guests and a night you won’t forget in a hurry! 3-5 Northgate Street, Ipswich IP1 3BX 0844 54 34 811

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the kingfisher The Kingfisher located on the Chantry Estate is in the heart of the community, offering great entertainment for all the family. The pub is a social, warm and inviting place for a drink or a bite to eat. Relax with friends and share a drink or two in a fun, welcoming and safe environment. The drinks menu is vast and offers a well rotated selection of cask ales and wines. On top of the wide drinks menu, The Kingfisher offers a range of entertainment including karaoke nights, regular live music sessions, a bouncy castle and their well-known fine weather BBQs in the sunny beer garden. 301 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QZ 01473 680300

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Robert Ransome Robert Ransome, named after the ancient bank and ditch built for the northern boundary of the town, is a busy town centre Wetherspoon pub in the heart of Ipswich. The pubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food menu offers an exciting mix of traditional meals and specials with a range of popular drinks for all. Their weekly club deals include the Steak Club every Tuesday, Curry Club every Thursday and the Sunday Club offering a hearty roast dinner and a dessert at a very low price are not to be missed! As well as a great range of food and drink, the pub offers regular live entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere for live sporting events. Trafalgar House, Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE 01473 341920

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the spread eagle The Spread Eagle is the oldest pub in Ipswich with a very colourful and chequered past. With Eagle Street being named after the pub, its history dates back to 1510 and has seen many famous faces such as Charles Dickens visit the pub. Today the pub thrives on its wide range of wines, spirits, ales and lagers, a great food menu, and hosts a live music programme. The pub boasts a secluded beer garden for the warmer days and an open fire for the colder ones. The Spread Eagle is also committed to charity fundraising for local charities such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Town Pastors.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; For more information about the Town Pastors visit page 25. 1-3 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW 01473 256093

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town hall & corn exchange During the day the Town Hall presents two unique galleries that feature contemporary artists from the region and beyond. However it is the evening when the venue comes to life. The Corn Exchange hosts a range of spectacular live events and performances and most recently it has been the stage for the notorious political debate programme, Question Time. Also located to the back of the building, the Ipswich Film Theatre boasts a fantastic atmosphere. With a licensed bar and regular showings of independent and Hollywood productions this venue offers visitors and residents something different from the mainstream multiplex experience. Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH 01473 433465

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cock & pye Step into the Cock and Pye, situated on Upper Brook Street, to discover a fantastic pub offering everything from traditional breakfasts, fantastic pub food and a great kids menu. With its appealing beer garden and relaxing atmosphere, this is the perfect place to enjoy a range of food and a refreshing drink. The family friendly pub serves up a fantastic range of drinks with prices to match, together with friendly and welcoming staff that makes the pub homely and comfortable for everyone who visits. 13 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1EG 01473 254213

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The Cricketers Originally a Tollemache pub, The Cricketers was built around the design of Helmingham Hall, the home of the Tollemaches since 1510. Now a Wetherspoons pub, the popular venue offers a range of lagers, ales, wines and spirits as well as an extensive food menu for all. Situated on Crown Street, the warm pub atmosphere is complemented by the authentic interior illustrating the pubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic roots. The beer garden is a superb feature offering regulars, shoppers and residents a place to relax during the summer months. The Cricketers endeavors to excel in food quality and strives to provide a quick and friendly service, all of which can be enjoyed in a safe environment. Their cask ale club on a Wednesday is not to be missed. 51 Crown Street, Ipswich IP1 3JA 01473 225910

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The Golden Lion The Golden Lion is situated in the heart of Ipswich and is a popular venue for shoppers, locals and workers. Located on the Cornhill, the pub aims to create a warm and friendly atmosphere for its guests by offering a fantastic range of food and drink at excellent prices. The food offering ranges from a hearty steak and ale pie to tasty breaded scampi and chips. With prices starting at ÂŁ2.99, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great venue for value! The Golden Lion is open until late seven days a week providing a great place for everyone to enjoy throughout the whole day and into the evening. 10 Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DP 01473 210334

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Ipswich Regent The Ipswich Regent is East Anglia’s largest theatre boasting over 1500 seats. Located in St Helen’s Street, the Regent Theatre opened in 1929 and was among the first UK theatres to play films with sound. Throughout the years, the theatre’s top acts have included the likes of The Beatles, The Walker Brothers and Jimi Hendrix. Today, the theatre is over 80 years old and it is one of the prime theatre locations in the town and, as recently as 2012, both Leona Lewis and Mumford and Sons have graced this historical stage. 3 St Helen’s Street, Ipswich IP4 1HE 01473 433100

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isaacs Isaacs on the Quay is an established, welcoming bar located on the beautiful waterfront in Ipswich. The venue offers a superb range of food, a wide selection of drinks and a vibrant atmosphere across four bars, a guest house, a coffee shop and most recently a microbrewery. The Merchant Bar is the main attraction, surrounded by the Kiln Bar, the Top Bar and The Courtyard; which creates an electric atmosphere in the summer months for their legendary Friday evening and Sunday afternoon live music sessions. The Top Bar is the prime venue for wedding receptions, private parties and functions and boasts amazing views over Ipswich waterfront Catering for all tastes, Isaacs offers a range of events including their regular summer BBQs, live music, mini beer festivals and a fantastic environment during live sporting events. 7 Wherry Quay, Ipswich IP4 1AS 01473 284000

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liquid Liquid is an award winning nightclub in Ipswich providing a clubbing experience for all. Refurbished in 2005, the nightclub holds two clubs with three rooms all under one roof. Liquidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary design coupled with some of the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest DJs, creates a good night out for all locals and visitors of Ipswich. It is one of the biggest clubbing venues in the town and, with a bar offering a range of branded drinks and regular offers, it is a venue that will keep you partying into the early hours. Cardinal Park, Grafton Way, Ipswich IP1 1AX 01473 218850

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The Plough The Plough is a traditional town centre pub ideal for a quiet drink, a business lunch or simply somewhere to relax after work. The pub is a popular venue for all, serving a varied food menu from a big breakfast, a midweek lunch or a fantastic evening meal, with friendly and efficient table service. At the weekends, the Plough offers live pub entertainment and a space for private parties. In the busy and bustling pub you can experience a range of drinks including draft and bottled beers, ales and ciders from around the world. 2 Dogs Head, Ipswich IP4 1AD 01473 288005

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Quayside Located within the regatta development of Ipswich Waterfront, Quayside offers an all day cafe, restaurant and bar. Quayside is a modern, spacious and casual dining venue with beautiful views across the Marina and the Old Customs House Building. Open all week, the restaurant serves a selection of freshly prepared food from a seasonally changing menu in a warm and friendly environment. Quayside is light and charming at lunch and in the evenings you can enjoy the gentle clinking of glasses in the welcoming surroundings. 12 Regatta Quay, Key Street, Ipswich IP4 1FF 01473 218811

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the rep Located in Tower Street, a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from Ipswich high street, The Rep offers a range of food dishes at great prices for any occasion. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re drinking with friends and fancy a nibble to share, or treating yourself to one of the venues hearty pub classics, The Rep is sure to tempt you with the menu. The pub not only offers an extensive food menu, but there is also a range of drinks on offer to quench your thirst. During the daytime, the pub garden offers a welcoming seat to eat and drink over the summer months. The pub has recently been through an extensive refurbishment and has transformed the venue into a vibrant location, hosting live music, comedy and jazz acts for all to enjoy. 11 Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE 01473 221361

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sin Sin bar is a party venue located on Coachman’s Court in Ipswich. Boasting a range of R ’n’ B, house and garage music, the bar and club hosts an exciting atmosphere for all the weekend party-goers. A separate cocktail bar serves a range of popular drinks at unbeatable prices. Sin bar is open four nights a week until late, offering an extensive range of branded drinks and some fantastic promotions for locals, residents and students alike. 2 Coachmans Court, Ipswich IP4 1DX

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the Thrasher A pub with everything to offer, The Thrasher Hungry Horse is a friendly local that goes that extra mile to impress everyone with its quality family food offer, sense of fun and affordable prices. Offering an extensive food menu, there is a great selection to choose from that will please any hungry customer. To complement the great menu, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a comprehensive range of drinks, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a glass of white wine or a fresh apple juice to quench your thirst. Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9RZ 01473 723355

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Vodka Revolution Revolution in Ipswich is located at the heart of Ipswich’s nightlife. The bar prides itself on its fabulous collection of premium vodkas, popular cocktails and its energetic atmosphere. Whether it’s a Saturday party, a chilled Sunday, a midweek lunch or a quiz on Monday, there’s always something going on at Vodka Revolution. The bar runs regular cocktail master classes where you try some of the fantastic cocktails on offer. They also host monthly house music nights, an extremely popular evening event in the town. The highlight of the bar is that it can take you on a journey from the chilled atmosphere of a meal with your family to a vibrant party atmosphere of a club with friends, all under one roof! 1-7 Old Cattle Market, Ipswich IP1 1AY 01473 857515

Ipswich Best Bar None scheme goes from strength to strength and we are proud of the positive effect the scheme is having on the town. This is only possible through working together and we would like to say special thanks to all of our partners and the trade. This brochure highlights, and celebrates, the licensed premises within Ipswich that have worked extremely hard to provide a responsibly managed and safe environment for you, as the customer, to enjoy. These venues have gone the extra mile to achieve the accreditation against a national benchmark. In addition, the Town Pastors presence within the town on a Friday and Saturday night provides support to vulnerable people who are feeling the effects of drinking too much on a night out. They give out water, help people to get home safely and provide a calming influence in sometimes tense situations. The nightlife of Ipswich adds vibrancy and interest to the town, as well as being worth millions of pounds to the local economy. Best Bar None encourages licensed premises to work together to raise standards, helping to establish a safe place to enjoy a night out.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continue our work together to keep Ipswich as a top destination to live, work and play! THE MARK OF A SAFER NIGHT OUT

IPSWICH BEST BAR NONE

2013

We’ll raise

OUR glass to

IP SWICH BE ST BA R NONE

Help us to recognise and reward best practice, by choosing Best Bar None venues in Ipswich. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Bar None The mark of a safer night out!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Drink responsibly If you choose alcoholic drinks, consider alternating with water

Friends stick together Stay with your friends, never leave a friend alone

Get home safely Arrange your transport home before you leave for your night out

I P S W I C H B E S T B A R N ON E

ENJOY

THESE OFFERS and get even more throughout the year at

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ÂŁ2a pint of any Dove Street Brewery Beers at

The Dove Street Inn

Terms & Conditions: Offer available 1st September 2013 to 31st March 2014. Dove Street Brewery Beers available most of the time. Voucher can only be used once per booklet. Cannot be used with any other offer.

I P SW I C H B E ST B A R N O N E

20% OFF

AT LUNCHTIME The Spread Eagle Receive 20% off food between lunchtime serving hours of 12pm until 2pm Terms & Conditions: Offer available 1st September 2013 to 31st March 2014. Voucher can only be used once per booklet.

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Free

Function Room

The kingfisher Free function room hire for January, February and March 2014 Terms and Conditions: Only valid in January, February and March 2014. Monday to Friday from 7pm until midnight. Subject to availability.

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20off drinks %

Bowmans Bar and Lounge 20% off drinks Monday - Thursday from 3pm onwards

Terms and Conditions: Valid from 3pm Monday to Thursday. Not valid from 1st December until 31st December 2013. Not valid with any other offer. Not valid on cocktails, champagne or Martell XO. ID may be required. 31

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20 off food %

Golden Lion 20% off food when you present the booklet to Bar staff when placing your order at the bar Terms and Conditions: Not to be used with any other offer. Only valid until 17th November 2013.

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Free entry for you and a friend Liquid

Free entry for you and a friend on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday before 11pm Terms and Conditions: Valid between 10:30pm and 11pm until March 2014 with production of this voucher.

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20% off your meal The Cricketers

Get 20% off your meal at The Cricketers before attending a show at the Ipswich Regent Terms and Conditions: Only valid on the day of the show your ticket is for. Valid from September 2013 until 31st March 2014.

I P SW I C H B E ST B A R N O N E

Free bottle of house wine when you spend ÂŁ40 Quayside

Receive a bottle of house wine at Quayside when you spend ÂŁ40 or more at lunchtime between Monday and Friday Terms and Conditions: Only valid at lunchtimes from Monday to Friday. Not to be used on Saturday and Sunday. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Only valid from September 2013 until March 2014, excluding December. One bottle per table.

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Two for one on cocktails Vodka Revolution

Two for one on all cocktails between 5pm and 12am Terms and Conditions: Only valid in September and October 2013. Excludes Saturday nights after 9pm. Not valid with any other offer.

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Two for one on drinks! Groove

Buy your first round of drinks and we will give you the second round for FREE. Terms and Conditions: Offer excludes champagne, multi-buys and special offers. Not valid on gala nights. 2-4-1 must be the exact same drinks, strictly over 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, photo ID required, voucher must be redeemed at the bar to validate offer, management reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. Offer valid from September 2013 until March 2014. 37

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Paint the town purple in Ipswich which is quite simply Best Bar None!

Ipswich works hard to ensure you have a great night out and is officially the only town in Suffolk allowed to fly the coveted Purple Flag. Just as Blue Flag is an indicator of a good beach, Purple Flag is set to be the indicator of where to go for a good night out and Ipswich has received this prestigious award.

Ipswich has lots planned in celebration of our Flag including free family activities, events, offers and vouchers. Find out more about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on and how Ipswich will be celebrating its Flag please visit allaboutipswich.com or download the All About Ipswich app.

The award scheme identifies excellence in managing town and city centres which support a mix of evening activity, including music and art venues, theatres, restaurants, as well as bars, pubs and clubs.

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