Hopbine (July 2009)

Hadleigh Kings Head - Mike has been the landlord here for past five and half years. He currently plans to make it Free of tie and also intends to make some alterations and refurbishment soon. Woodfordes Wherry, Adnams Bitter & Broadside plus guests on hand pump.

Stradbroke White Hart - Punch have just sold this pub to Max and Alison Shingler (previously owned Kings Head in Brooke, Norfolk) who are refurbishing and re-opening the pub soon after it has been closed for the past 18 months.

Stansfield Compasses - after being closed for 7 Months, this pub reopened in June under new landlord, Ron van Straalen, with 4 real ales including Nethergate Suffolk County, Adnams best bitter, Woodfordes Wherry and a guest beer. See www.compasses.uk.com

Wissett Plough - Now the only regular beer is Adnams Bitter (they no longer sell Grain or Wissett Wobbler) at least five guest beers, of all types (in the summer) and sometime more!

Elmsett Rose and Crown - Shaun the Landlord sells Woodfordes Wherry (£2.70) with an occasional guest ales such as Black Sheep Bitter (£2.70). Live music on the last Sat. every month with Elvis making a recent appearance.

Bramfield Bell - this Free House closed as a pub last October and the owner, Crawford Stopher continues to live there with his family.

Bungay Chequers - has new landlords and the pub now opens at 10.30am! On a recent visit, Adnams & Green King bitters were supplemented by 2 beers from Cottage Brewery.

Bungay Swan - formerly ‘Swansons,’ Now selling GK IPA.

Blundeston Plough - this historic pub has been closed in recent months. Future remains uncertain. Charles Dickens mentioned this pub in his book, David Copperfield. The nearby Red Lion has no real ale. Blundeston prison officers club also closed late last year.

Lowestoft Crown (High Street) - recently re-opened for a short time but appears to have closed again!

Ipswich Lord Nelson - After 27 years as an Adnams tenant Don Williamson, retired from here recently. Don has been the tenant at the Lord Nelson for the last 12 years. Previously he ran the Ipswich Duke of York, and before that the Walberswick White Hart and Martlesham Black Tiles. We wish him our best wishes for a happy retirement. Don recently said, “The Lord Nelson is a wonderful pub famous for its food and of course the Adnams beers served straight from the cask. Pictured below is Don with his two top barmaids in recent times Miriam and Tracy (Lady Hamilton during Lord Nelson bicentenary celebrations). New landlord is John Greenfield who was recently offering Adnams Bitter, Regatta, Explorer and East Green.

Ipswich Robert Ramsome - this new Wetherspoon pub opened on time as previously reported and currently offering 7 real ales in downstairs bar.

Sudbury Brewery Tap - congratulations to Clive and Sally Mann after the twins have arrived. Ellie Jean & Charlie George were born on 10th June but only arrived at the Pub recently.

Ipswich Crown (former Haven) now open - Ben Flatman is the landlord - 4 beers currently on offer - initially incl. Adnams Explorer, CW Eagle & Woodfordes Wherry - new restaurant and food menu - 5 letting rooms.

Woodbridge Crown - this hotel and restaurant has recently been refurbished by its new owners, Thorpeness & Aldeburgh Hotels. Manager Stephen David has supervised the upgrading of the 17th cent coaching inn and its letting rooms, restaurant and bar which will now feature a locally built boat suspended from ceiling.

Punch Taverns has changed the names of its managed and tenanted businesses. The pubco's managed operation, formerly known as Spirit Group, will now be renamed the Punch Pub Company and the group's leased arm will be known as Punch Partnerships.

With statistics showing that a third of pubs sold by Fleurets (estate agents for the pub trade) now being sold for alternative use, a new and dedicated section has been added to www.fleurets.com to assist such potential buyers.

Adnams secures pouring rights at Ipswich Town Football Club

Ipswich Town has agreed a five-year deal with local brewers Adnams for the Stadium Pouring Rights at Portman Road. The agreement is the biggest Pouring Rights contract in the Club’s history and will see Southwold based Adnams work alongside Ipswich Town for the first time. Will have to wait another month to see what beers are on offer

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