The Sibton White Horse Inn, Saxmundham

As Ian says below, the afternoon closure here meant that I had our visit planned for 7pm re-opening during our Sunday crawl of Suffolk pubs. Despite being Good Beer Guide-listed, I had been pre-warned that I may not like this pub, as the focus is primarily on dining. In actual fact, it was one of my favourites of the day. The building sits on a junction in the village of Sibton and is quite imposing. The interior is nicely appointed with plenty of dark wood, but I didn't have chance to note too much as we sat at the bar and were soon engaged in conversation with the landlord and also the landlady for a brief while. The landlord took a keen interest in what had brought us there and gave us an in depth description of the local pub and beer trade. You could tell that he was a really enthusiastic and committed publican, but the message we often get is that times are tough in the trade. There are 4 handpulls, but just 2 were clipped with Morland Old Session Hen & Earl Soham Albert Ale. I'd had better Earl Soham beers during the day, but I suspect this was just the beer itself rather than any conditioning issue. Quite a few people had managed to get into the pub before us and most were dining. Whilst the cask ales are important, food is the main selling point these days and they enjoy a fairly good reputation. I wish them every continued success.

Nice case of serendipity - Mrs M - quite uninfluenced by me - has booked us here for a New Years Eve Lunch. Its walking distance from where we are staying. Then I find out its in the Good Beer Guide 2025. Double Bonus. Quiet, small. Dogs welcome in a small front bar - where everyone seemed to be regardless of dog status. A dining room behind, which as far as I could tell was empty and in the dark. Low ceilings, with long bar along one side. Typical pub furniture within. Very friendly landlady and staff. Most people dining, except an old boy sat in an alcove with his single point. Asked if he had enjoyed Xmas he replied "Its not really for me". Love it. I have seen the ghost of Ian Future. Two beers on Woodforde Wherry and Nelsons Revenge. Nelsons Revenge in fair condition. Old school hours, with towels on pumps at 2:15. Love this. Bring back the afternoon lull. Unless its a day I am out ticking.

Official site of the Sibton White Horse Inn, contains menus, wine and beer lists - www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

Official site of the Sibton White Horse Inn, contains menus, wine and beer lists - www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk