Suffolk’s Craft Beer Scene: Where to Sip and Savour

In addition to a fantastic cuisine scene (if that’s such a phrase), our county of Suffolk is also home to an incredible range of brewers brewing up some incredible craft beers. No surprise, really, when you consider that Suffolk has a long tradition of brewing and has forever placed an emphasis on nurturing new generations of innovative beer makers. With something to enjoy for every kind of palette, we’ve assembled a shortlist of our favourite places to check out when in need of some refreshments at our Barns and Barges for rent.

Adnams is one of Suffolk’s most iconic breweries and is in many respects a cornerstone of the county’s beer culture. Founded back in 1872 in the seaside town of Southwold, Adnams has a long history of brewing traditional English ales and is today known for combining these traditional techniques with modern, sustainable practices. 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery to learn more about the brewing process, the team’s sustainability initiatives, and even sample some of their famous beers. Adnams produces a wide range of beers, from its classic Southwold Bitter and Ghost Ship pale ale to seasonal and more experimental tipples. The brewery even has its own distillery, where they cook up some tasty gins, vodkas, and whiskeys. There really is something for all tastes here. After taking the tour, we’d highly recommend heading out to one of Southwold’s many pubs to enjoy a freshly brewed pint while soaking in the coastal views.

Housed in a beautiful 13th-century moated hall, St. Peter’s Brewery near Bungay is one of Suffolk’s most unique craft beer destinations. Known for its distinctive oval bottles and a range of organic and gluten-free beers, the brewery is understandably a firm favourite for those looking for something a bit different.

St. Peter’s produces an array of traditional ales as well as more innovative offerings, such as honey porter and fruit-flavoured beers. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a brewery tour where they’ll learn more about St Peter’s brewing techniques and history before heading to the Hall & Restaurant for some samples of their beers paired with locally sourced food. 

One of Suffolk’s newer craft breweries, Burnt Mill Brewery in Ipswich, has quickly gained a reputation for producing top-quality, hop-forward beers. Founded in 2017, Burnt Mill focuses on brewing modern, flavorful beers with an emphasis on balance and drinkability.

Burnt Mill’s core range includes pale ales, IPAs, and stouts, with frequent limited-edition releases for those looking to try something new. Their vibrant, hazy IPAs and hop-heavy beers have earned them awards and plenty of recognition within the UK’s craft beer community. While the brewery doesn’t have its own taproom, you can find Burnt Mill’s beers in local pubs and bottle shops across Suffolk.

A beloved Ipswich institution, The Dove Street Inn is a paradise for beer lovers. This award-winning pub is known for its wide range of real ales and craft beers, with a rotating selection that often includes local Suffolk brews. The Dove Street Inn regularly hosts beer festivals and events, bringing together beer enthusiasts from across the region. In short, it’s somewhere that every beer fan should make a point of visiting when heading to Suffolk.

Ultimately, it would be fair to say that Suffolk’s craft beer scene is nothing short of thriving, offering an impressive mix of historic breweries with more innovative newcomers producing some of the best beers in the UK. If we’ve managed to get you suitably thirsty, why not take a look at the current availability of our Barns and Barges for rent to enjoy some sampling whilst on your next holiday.