Briarbank Brewery

Just a step back from Ipswich’s waterfront, Briarbank Bar has been pouring proper beer above its own brewery since 2013. Here, you can sip on three ever-changing cask ales brewed right downstairs, tap your foot to live jazz on the third Sunday of every month, or just admire the barrels built right into the bar.

A favourite among craft beer lovers, jazz fans, and anyone who appreciates a pint with a story, this place serves up its own award-winning brews alongside guest beers, wines, and spirits. The menu offers pub classics and lighter bites, while the annual beer festivals (Easter and August) are the highlight of many a Suffolk calendar.

Unlike those soulless chains where the beer tastes like it was shipped in from who-knows-where, Briarbank Bar pours its creations with pride. The staff know their hops, the jazz sets the mood, and the building’s past life as a bank adds character you won’t find in a Wetherspoons.

Whether you’re here for a quiet pint, a jazz evening, or to discover your new favourite brew, this is a bar that celebrates proper beer, without the pretence. Local Tip: Time your visit for a beer festival. They’re the kind of event that turns a good night into a memorable one.