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Fat Cat, Ipswich

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user reviews of the Fat Cat, Ipswich

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Part of the fat cat group, not quite up to the Norwich version, but possibly down to space. None of the Norwich FC beers on offer, which was a surprise,
12 ales on offer and with a good spread of gravities - 3.8 to 5.5 and a range of light, medium and dark, well done.
Nice atmosphere and a range of customers from ladies, gentlemen, students , young and old. Gentle hum of conversation. Top pub in the City.
TonyMitch - 20 Sep 2018 22:16
First visit today and overall very nice pub.
hogshead - 29 Jul 2013 22:08
Just a quick note still ok beer but bar snacks have been reduced in size a bap or 1 small roll with a little greenery looks so small it`s taking the mickey, much better snacks down the road at the Dove.
andyw1260 - 28 Nov 2012 17:23
A nice and friendly locals pub in Ipswich's Eastern suburbs. The ale comes straight out of the barrel and the Wherry was very different to the handpump version but still an excellent pint. Not sure if it''s best on pump or from the barrel - pum, barrel, barrel, pump,,,only one way to find out....
anonymous - 29 Jan 2012 12:34
Very friendly pub in a victorian row of houses, great beer and nice basic food.
andyw1260 - 27 Nov 2011 14:06
We always head for the Fat Cat as our first stop when in Ipswich. Good beer (the Crouch Vale Yakima Gold was particularly nice) and one the largest Scotch Eggs you'll ever see or eat!! Very friendly staff and locals and some interesting breweriana on the walls. Typical "alehouse" decor and a small outside are at the rear. All-in-all a great little booozer. Recommended. (You will need to take a bus or a taxi as it is a fair way out of the town centre).
mcroyal - 27 Nov 2011 13:03
Is a nice pub with caring staff, much better than the 2 other pubs in Ipswich who go for this market. Food is basic but fresh and tastie cant think of anything better for a pint of real ale.
andyw1260 - 16 Nov 2011 17:17
Great pub with real character, a great garden and friendly atmosphere. The best Fat Cat in East Anglia by a country mile. Superb beers in excellent condition and understandably very popular.
KennyWill - 5 Sep 2011 20:10
Excellent ale range. It can get crowded and does appear to be inhabited by a lot of people who have gotten dressed after watching 'Brideshead Revisited', but without doubt a major beer pub. Success breeds crowding. I don't begrudge it, popular doesn't mean bad, it just means you need to pick your time.
BitterShurn - 16 Jun 2011 23:16
A good pub but not as good as the Norwich version.
dougdeep - 21 Jan 2011 16:09
Marstins Wicked Witch(4.2%) Hop Back Summer Lightning.Castle Rock Meadow Brown(4.8%) and Mauldons Black Adder(5.3%) .

12 different ales in sale..great little pub.
hogshead - 26 Nov 2010 16:43
didn't mind this place a little messy but it was very busy.
abromer - 28 Apr 2010 23:32
Seems a shadow of it's former self,got a little too local but ale was good and decent staff
aleworship - 27 Apr 2010 19:57
Yes, I no longer go there, and the main reason is the *rs*h*les who normally inhabit the place. An unpleasant bunch generally; the pub deserves better.

The Dove is a much better bet.

Thanks for your post, hungrysi, it reminded me to downgrade my rating, which I originally posted some years ago.
Biggles - 4 Jun 2009 22:27
Horrible horrible little pub. Could someone please enlighten me with what the appeal is with this pub? Pretentious and arogant 'regulars'. Unable to get to the bar due to people sitting at the bar and blocking access. Avoid at all costs when the weather is bad as it becomes really busy and the place stinks of sweaty blokes, bad breath and BO. Unable to hold a conversation due to noise. Personally I would avoid at all costs and go to the Dove a mile down the road which is much nicer.
hungrysi - 4 Jun 2009 16:58
First class pub. Fantastic range of ever changing ale, always well kept. Traditional feel with wooden floors, chunky wooden tables, no music/fruits/TVs. Lovely beer garden out the back. It attracts a large group of regulars and provides a great starting point for anyone going into town. Only downside is that it can get VERY busy, especially on a weekend evening.
Rod_Hariga - 5 Jul 2008 21:06
A real premier league ale pub which lucky Ipswich residents have two. This and The Dove within walking distance although its probably about 10 - 15 minutes walk.

A great selection of ale on offer must have been about 14 mid week. Covering local and national micro breweries. The beers on offer cover all the beer styles light/traditional/dark. On the blackboard above the bar it has the beer style indicated next to the beers. A mild and stout were available on my visit which were both in very good condition.


Love_good_ale - 16 Feb 2008 17:30
This pub is a winner for real ale. Always brews from the Fat Cat brewery in Norwich along with a good mind bogling selection from other brewers around the country.

The scotch eggs are large and the other bar food tasty. A winner.
mproberts - 16 Feb 2008 11:16
Good pub, used to meet up here every Friday after work and stay till closing. Excellent giant scotch eggs! haha

Recommended if you want an out of town beer, it's worth the trek!
Daigoro - 7 Feb 2008 22:12
Just about the perfect pub. Character, charm, welcoming, great great beer, decent prices, brilliant staff. What better way to spend a few hours in the wonderful atmosphere that is offered here. Brilliant & totally recommended.
macca56 - 19 Jan 2008 20:47
Agree with Pads... a fantastic pub that's only draw back is its popularity. It has got busier and busier over the last 10 years meaning you have to get there earlier and earlier (in the week and the evening). Brilliant choice of ales of offer as well more unusual lagers and bottled beers.
Rod_Hariga - 22 Oct 2007 20:47
Yep! Ipswich�s best pub�14 Ales on tap, 4 outstanding international lagers and a variety of tasty treats in bottle form. No Stella or Carling allowed in the door here!!

Managed to sample all the ales between us, several tables enjoyed their pints whilst tucking into ordered takeaways encouraging a truly grand atmosphere.! Also we were graced by the presence of the pub�s fat cat who seemed to approve of the increasing chaos as beers were followed by more beer.

Bit of a trek to get to on foot from the town centre but what an amazing local this would be?! A cracking night oot�enjoy!

Jammahn - 4 Oct 2007 10:45
Wow what a find, catch a train! Well worth the short stroll from the station leaving your car behind in the garage�.to sample some fine ales. We tried the �best� and the �gold� and both were fresh, extremely tasty and good value! The stronger �Gunners Daughter� (5%+) was a little scary but made an appearance later in the evening in one of our parties sausages. The wine list was mainly Adnams wines, always a good sign, with many served by the glass�!

For a bite to eat, sample the fine rustic food which was predominantly seasonal and reasonably priced, little choice for vegetarians but carnivores and fish eaters will do well scoffing here. The seating is in all wood and the natural light is excellent; plenty of room at the bar and the service was pleasant enough being busy for a Wednesday evening. New owners for the last year and they are keeping the flag flying for BrewPubs, go for gold�..and of course Beer is Best..!

Jammahn - 4 Oct 2007 10:43
A great pub,always packed,always worth it.
Almost unique feature is that staff not only allow, but encourage almost you eat food from nearby Chinese at your table if you wish.
Very good little hostelry.
LaughingGravy - 10 Mar 2007 21:44
Please stop recommending this pub. Its my local and its already too busy most evenings... especially Thursday. (when I say local, I have to walk past 6 pubs to get there, but its only about 1/2 a mile or so. I should get first dibs on getting to the bar, and preferably a seat.|)
pads - 13 Feb 2007 18:22
At least 16 different ales on gravity - great! Nice winter garden in the back. It is always a pleasure visiting The Fat Cat pubs
rune - 25 Dec 2006 11:19
Im out my depth with the reviews already added. this is a proper conneiseurs drinking hole. loads of ales on tap which my taste buds find hard to accept but Ive nver had a bad night in this place. if you like your obscure ales and foreign imported lager this is your place. try the Duvall its 8% proof. the first is like drinking 2 stroke oil but the seconds lot of fun!!! Nice pub in the summer in their garden. like everyone you wonder how the neighbours put up with it but if you were a neighbour you'd be in their.
Meat3000 - 22 Oct 2006 00:12
Nice but not as good as its sister pub in Norwich (but then that is exceptional). Beers in top condition, this would make a lovely local if you lived here but as I live in Chelmsford I found the Dove more convenient.
anonymous - 9 Oct 2006 12:29
An island bar serves a multitude of alcoves with up to 16 real ales drawn mostly straight from the cask in fine condition. With its conservatory,excellent outdoor area,good beer and although a little out of the town centre this is a must visit.
Alerover - 10 Aug 2006 15:40
this is a gem and a half! what a great pub all that you could ever want in a real ale establishment. the food is all made on the premises, and the huge scotch eggs are served with a mango chutney made by a customer, what more could you want. as for the 15-17 beers that are on tap (and most come straight from the barrel)they are served with a smile and a little conservation from the 'very well informed about beer 'staff. can get busy week-ends but always enough room to get to the bar.locals friendly and full of local knowlege. i will keep going and intend to ask all my friends to come along
whitewitch - 11 Jan 2006 10:28
Great pub. Friendly staff and locals. Up to 17 real ales on tap, mostly straight from the barrel. Try the scotch eggs. Highly recommended.
apa - 19 Dec 2005 14:40
Fantastic pub. Good atmosphere, good conversation, good service and superb beer! Gets incredibly busy at weekends - so get there early.
. - 2 Oct 2004 08:56
Open all day unlike other pubs in area
Brian Stickland - 7 Apr 2004 12:37
A Fantastic Real Ale Pub. Always something new available and the Tap Room is great to see.
Mark - 5 Dec 2003 13:02
Great pub away from town centre. Usually has 18 to 20 beers available - no loud music - no fruit machines - good if you like to talk to people.

TO find FAT CAT - DAYTIME catch either a 2, 2A, 3 or 3A bus from town centre or in EVE from town centre or railway station catch a Route 66 to Golden Key then walk past Golden Key into Caldwellhall Road for 200m then turn right at traffic lights - pub is 40m on the left.
Nigel Smith - 12 Sep 2003 18:00

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