The Wheelhouse, Ipswich

This thatched village local feels well off the beaten track. With just one other car park, you could be forgiven in thinking it was closed. I had read on their Facebook page (once you've visited, you'll be surprised that this place could have a social media presence) that yesterday was the start of their summer opening hours. This meant that it was opening on a Sunday lunchtime (previously it was Sunday evening only). Despite having this confirmed by published hours outside, I still approached the entrance door with trepidation, as it was after 2pm and they were due to close at 3pm. I needn't have worried, as the door opened to reveal a long, thin interior with very low beams. The landlady was very welcoming and the elderly customers all seemed reasonably convivial too. It is dark inside and it was also quite cold, on what was a comparatively chilly day for June. The 2 real ales were Nethergate Stour Valley Gold & Settle Main Line Bitter. Having had the Stour Valley before, I opted for the Bitter and found it much more to my liking than many southern bitters I sampled during the day. A decent rural local, that is worth seeking out.