Where to Find Suffolk’s Most Historic Pubs
In addition to the arts, food and royalty, brewing and beers also feature highly in the annals of Suffolk history. From iconic ales brewed by monks to established breweries continuing to stock pubs up and down the country, we’re fortunate to have more than a few places to choose from when seeking out some light refreshments. Though there are certainly many new and exciting places to choose from, we thought it would be worth collecting a list of some historic pubs to visit when staying at our Barns and Barges for rent so that you can combine your tipple with a spot of cultural sightseeing.
The Nutshell
As one of the most historic and no doubt most iconic towns in Suffolk, it will come as no surprise to learn that Bury St Edmunds is home to one of the most historic pubs you’re likely to find in our fine county. As if being one of the most historic spots to grab a pint wasn’t enough, the Nutshell also has the claim to being Britain’s smallest pub. Don’t let its size fool you, though, this drinking hole has plenty of charm and even a mummified cat above the door to make sure that your visit is one that you’ll remember. The impressive selection of local ales aren’t to be sniffed at, either.
The Greyhound
Reliably serving pints to patrons for more than 600 years, the Greyhound in Woodbridge is the place to go for history buffs and thirsty visitors alike. Proudly wearing its history on its sleeve, this pub remains firmly traditional in its range of proper ales and dishes made from local game. Having picked up a few new tricks in the intervening centuries since its establishment, visitors stopping by for a pint during their holiday in Suffolk are sure to enjoy everything they could want from a cosy pub.
The Four Horseshoes
When creating a list of historic pubs in Suffolk, you naturally anticipate the question of “yeah, but which one is the oldest?”. To answer this question, we have to rely on the (fairly decent) guesswork of historians who consider the Four Horseshoes in Thornam Magna to be the oldest pub in Suffolk. Believed to date back to the early 12th century, the pub certainly lives up to its reputation of being an historic watering hole with its classically thatched roof and plush pink exterior. Interestingly, for the oldest pub in Suffolk, the Four Horseshoes was once taken over by Thomas Pankhurst in 2012, who was at the time the youngest publican in Britain at the age of just 19.
To enjoy a pint or two at any of these historic pubs in Suffolk, be sure to take a look at the current availability for our Barns and Barges for rent. Providing outstanding accommodation – even if we do say so ourselves- we’re sure that you’ll enjoy returning to our rooms after visiting the local haunts.
