The Fat Cat, Ipswich

Well-known alehouse housed in a slightly extended suburban pub on the east side of town. The L-shaped bar is located in the original building, with a small seating area in a lean-to addition on the left-hand side, and more space in the light extension at the back which also leads to the slightly raised patio garden. I found a total of 15 cask ales on offer, including Ghost Ship and the seasonal Yuletide (£5.00) from Adnams on the pair of handpumps plus 13 more on gravity from the rear taproom.

Facebook page of The Fat Cat - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Fat Cat - www.facebook.com

An odd location really, a long hike up a hill through a fairly unassuming residential area though passing under the impressive viaduct was a highlight. An unassuming exterior, you could almost walk past it if it wasn’t for the flash of orange and the ‘free mouse’ (ho ho) sign. Fairly small inside with a plain main bar, a side room with (COVID-constructed?) booths and a rear conservatory. Fairly rustic, bordering on the spartan, not much in the way of cosiness unlike its cousins in Norwich. Things started to look up as we discovered the long and pleasant beer garden and got chatting to the licensee who was very engaging and genuinely interested in our three day extravaganza around Norwich and Ipswich. Onto the beers then; a large selection via pump or stillage in the cool room. I went for Bishop Nick 1555 (NBSS 3), Crouch Vale Brewers Gold (4) and North Riding Peanut Butter Stout (3.5) as well as a very nice (if not cheap) chilli scotch egg. Ciders and some crafty stuff also available. Easily the best of the Ipswich pubs I did that day but its location means you need to either do it first via bus, or do it last with a pre-ordered taxi. It doesn’t really compare to the Fattus Cattus outlets in Norwich but in a town that’s hard to love, this is a winner. 8.5 Visited early August.