Hopbine - Nov 09

Bury St Edmunds Dove - Roger and Bernie Waters took over here some two months back and have turned an all singing, all dancing, big TV screens lager pub into a very friendly back street locals bar with six real ales; a warm welcome, a friendly smile from themselves, Fred, Mark and Neil and banter from the ever growing number of appreciative customers. Well done to all of you at The Dove and long may you continue.

Sudbury (Ballingdon) Boat House - Although mainly a restaurant these days, this venue closed down a few weeks ago. Currently not sure what it's future is?

Stowmarket Kings Arms - new owner Chris Wooltorton is looking at an opening early December. The pub is very traditional, beer and basic grub. Beer served from the barrel. I think you will agree that this is very exciting in this time of closing pubs. The Kings Arms last closed it's door 51 years ago after 100 years of trade.

Eye Queen's Head – just six weeks after last orders were called at the town's last pub, it has reopened once again. New managers Steve and Josie Gill have moved from a pub they managed at Ipswich. Before that they had had an estate agency in Corfu but had been in the pub trade at both the Cherry Tree and Red Lion in Debenham 20 years earlier. Their plan is to get the Queen's Head up and running again, and hope to start lunches – "good pub grub," said Mrs Gill. Later they hope to introduce entertainment, including karaoke nights.

Metfield Duke of William - The present landlord and his wife seem to have fallen out with the local villagers and have decided to close the pub and remove some signage, but still plan to live there and to work in another pub in another village. This has understandably caused a very unhappy situation. Hopefully it can be resolved soon.

Thwaite Bucks Head – new tenants here are Neil and Kim who are currently offering Deuchars IPA, London Pride and Courage Directors.

Ipswich Selkirk – new licensee Graham Scott hopes that this pub should reopen early Dec with a selection of beers from Adnams

Whepstead White Horse - new owners Gary and Di Kingshott took over here in late October with over 30 white horses and their riders from the West Suffolk Pony Club attending the opening to make the day particularly memorable. Gary and Di have built up a reputation over the last 25 years at The Beehive in Horringer. The White Horse has spacious dining rooms, an open fire, large copper topped bar, private room, garden, plenty of parking and wonderful rural public footpaths. A new Tuck Shop selling sweeties, chocolate and ice-cream is also provided.

Thorndon Black Horse - the pub landlord is bringing a vital service back to his village by opening a shop in the car park. Darren Hayward officially opened Thorndon Village Stores in early October, and he is not just running the venture out of a sense of community spirit, believing his shop fills a gap in the market. "If you offer the right products at the right price, people come in." Marion Ravenhill, chairman of Thorndon Parish Council, which has backed the plans, said: "It is made more exciting because we have a mobile post office outreach service that parks on the Black Horse car park.

Ipswich Brewery Tap - this is under new management. New owner is Michael Lee whose main trade is a chef and alterations to the kitchen are being made but he is keen to keep the real ale side of the business to the forefront

Botesdale Greyhound – this pub recently held a Buskers' Night. The event is hosted by former Manfred Mann guitarist and Botesdale resident Denny Newman and is open to musicians of all abilities. The Buskers' Night will now be a regular feature at the pub, taking place on the last Thursday of every month.

Ipswich Old Bell Inn - closed since 2005 this grade II-listed property could reportedly soon be reopened as a two-storey sports bar? Previous landlords Carol & Andy Thompson still currently live in the property.

Local millionaire businessman Richard Cattermole has bought a trio of struggling Ipswich pubs as part of a major initiative to save the town's drinking trade. He has purchased the Spread Eagle in Fore Street, The Masons in Victoria Street and the Duke of York in Woodbridge Road, and subsequently leased them to business partners John Flett and Robert Stephenson. The arrangement allows the pubs to buy their stock from the cheapest source rather than being tied to a brewery - meaning they can keep beer prices down for customers. The arrangement has allowed lager to be sold for as little as £2.20 a pint and bitter for £2 a pint. Mr Flett, who already runs the Dolphin Hotel in Felixstowe, said: “I'm a pub person and I like to buy a pint for a decent price. We have decided to buy pubs, renovate them and really turn them around.” The 62-year-old and his colleagues are already planning to take on another three Ipswich pubs.

Laxfield King's Head – this has been selected to represent Suffolk in the County Life Awards. Five country pubs from Suffolk, Norfolk, Hampshire and Cumbria were shortlisted for the award which aims to encourage pubs to be more community focused. The King's Head Inn, better known locally as the Low House, was selected for its traditional atmosphere and home-cooked food. Landlord Bob Wilson, who has managed the pub for nearly three years with partner Linda Bower, said: “We're extremely pleased and proud to have been nominated for this award. “We've won many nationwide awards over the years. This achievement will cheer everyone up, especially with winter just around the corner.” Dating back to the 16th century, the King's Head Inn was also chosen for its unique tradition of serving beer straight from the casks of the tap room rather than from a bar.

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