Suffolk pubs at risk register
This is a register of pubs that are currently not trading and may, or may not, reopen. It also includes pubs still trading which we know to be at risk for other reasons.
In some cases they have been in limbo for several years.
We would very much like to know what is happening to them, as we have no definitive information about their future.
If you know for certain that any of them has reopened (or is likely to soon) or has definitely closed for good, please contact Nigel Smith.
Anchor (previously Anchor Stores), Lowestoft
Previously called Anchor Stores.
Found with signage removed and apparently closed when visited in August 2012. If you can confirm the Anchor has closed, or can confirm it's still trading, please let us know.Large comfortable locals' pub. Dates back to at least 1782, when an inquest at the inn was reported in the Ipswich Journal.
Closed at end of September 2011 - reputedly sold to developers - so future may now be in some doubt - please let us know if you have any new information.Bar Sport (previously Flour & Firkin, Edward's Bar, Lakota, Colman's), Ipswich
Opened as the Flour & Firkin in 1998 after conversion from a former toy shop. This former pub chain expanded rapidly in late 1990s and specialised in brewing their own real ale, although this outlet never had it's own brewery (beers were produced at one of the Norwich Firkins). Since then it has...
Blue Lighthouse (previously Nag's Head, Star, Victoria, East Street Café Bar, Pilot Boat), Southwold
Reported in the Bury Free Press in December 2011 to have closed. Still closed when checked in August 2012.
Large lounge bar with dining available plus games room.
Currently closed. Initial planning permission for redevelopment of part of the site has been granted; it's hoped that this will facilitate an early re-opening. Renovation work has been observed to be in progress.
Built early 17th century,...Crown (previously Crown Hotel & Queens Head Inn), Lowestoft
Recently reported as being closed (April 2009) after a short period of trading after a previous six months of closure during the second half of 2008.
Nicely furnished, large town centre hotel bar. The former Scotts Brewery was once located in some out-buildings to rear of site.
Built 17th cent...Elephant and Castle, Bury St Edmunds
Closed August 2012, reportedly after a long period of poor trade. Currently boarded up and for sale.
'The Trunk' is a Victorian street corner pub fronting on to Hospital Road. Access to the car park is from the main Parkway. Despite overlooking a busy junction the two bars of this community pub...The Emperor is under threat of redevelopment. Please see message below from Ipswich & East Suffolk Camra Pubs officer Phil Hastie about how you can help save it.
Tesco has told the Guardian, "We are taking on derelict or vandalised pubs, not those which are still actively trading, and fo...Large Victorian split level pub with large screen TV in main bar and child friendly garden. Located close to Long Shop museum.
Since Jan/Feb 2013 all boarded up with a notice saying "due to unforeseen circumstances this pub will be closed until further notice"Feathers (previously Three Feathers), Walton
Found boarded-up and for sale, May 2013. The building has reportedly been sold; it's not yet known what the plans for it are.
Main road pub. Quiz nights, darts, pool, and outside seating in the garden. Occasional live music. Children welcome until about 7pm.
Built late 16th - early 17th centur...Flint faced exterior, popular with traditional games players.
Found boarded up and de-signed when visited in May 2013.The bar contains many pictures. An old reading room is used as the restaurant. A two acre garden leads to a river.
Up to 5 real ales on at one time with Adnams being the main one.
The pub has been bought by a property developer who says he plans to build housing on part of the site and use th...Sadly, the George was almost completely destroyed by fire in April 2013. (EADT article).
The BBC reports that the landlord has been arrested on suspicion of arson.
Early indications are that the remains of the pub will have to be demolished; we hope it can be rebuilt to continue providing a vi...Locals' pub offering good food and beer.
Built in the 18th century, with a 19th century façade.
Noted (October 2011) not trading. Still closed and on the market in June 2012. If you hear it's re-opened, please let us know.Golden Key (previously Key Inn), Ipswich
Prominent two bar pub.
Regrettably, in September 2012, local democracy was ignored when the planning inspector overturned the council's refusal of permission to redevelop the pub (see the EADT).
The pub closed on January 26th 2013 and is to be extended and turned into a Sainsbury's supermarket...Heathlands (previously Asylum Arms), Ipswich
Popular pub with sports theme and Sky TV.
Closed late May 2013; it's understood there are plans to convert it into yet another supermarket.
The Asylum Arms name refers to the nearby Borough Asylum (now St Clement's Hospital).Lively and friendly establishment with two bars and separate restaurant. Six en-suite rooms (b+b). Safe garden with children's play area.
This pub is under threat, with current owners, Punch Taverns, wanting to demolish it for redevelopment. Details with information about how to object to the dem...Was a two bar pub with comfortable lounge and a strong sports theme elsewhere. Sky TV sports and pool area.
Currently on the market and closed (most furniture & fittings removed).Short-lived bar run by the UCS Students' Union, but open to the public. This modern bar offered excellent views of the historic wet dock.
Closed December 2012 due to poor trade.Lloyd's Tavern (previously Hogshead), Ipswich
Large two bar pub set in former job centre, close to historic Corn Hill. Disabled toilet.
Has not been open recently (Aug 2010)Marquis of Cornwallis, Upper Layham
A 17th cent. inn with various small rooms and a large fireplace that overlooks the Brett valley. Part of the building was once a bakery which has been incorporated into the current structure. Closed in late 2009 - future uncertain. The building was renovated during 2012/early 2013 and seen to be on ...
Reported in the local press to have closed in May 2013. We hope only temporarily.
Multi-roomed pub situated across the road from the 17th cent. Moot hall and seafront pub garden, and close to the iconic fishermens' huts on the shingle beach. Popular with locals and also tourists (including bikers...Modern building close to industrial estate.
Currently reported in the local press to be closed, with its future uncertain.New Globe (previously Globe), Lowestoft
Found closed "until further notice" when visited in August 2012.
Old Bell (previously Bell), Ipswich
Reputedly the oldest pub in Ipswich (believed to date from the early 16th century and recorded in 1639). A Bell Inn is known to have existed in this area since well before the Civil War.
The name may refer to a bell foundry which existed nearby before the inn was constructed; there's documentary ...Traditional rural pub with lots of character. Lots of local photos & articles adorn the walls. An established menu offering home cooked food and regular folk sessions on Wed eves.
Closed in Dec 2012Flint faced cottages were converted into the current pub. Moorings to rear dealt with river traffic on its way to Bury.
Today the pub is well established for food.
Currently (October 2011) not trading. If you hear it's re-opened, please let us know.
Update: a caller to Lesley Dolphin's BBC...Red Lion (previously Venture, Lion), Chelmondiston
Large single room which is part restaurant and part bar area. Beer Garden to rear.
Closed in April 2011. Seen in April 2012 undergoing renovation; according to a local resident it's being converted into a "high class restaurant". Whether this will include provision for drinkers is unkno...Currently closed - hopefully will reopen soon (Nov 2010).
Planning permission to demolish the pub and replace it with four houses was applied for in 2011. We haven't heard whether or not this has been agreed. If you know anything, please let us know.Has been closed for some time; will it reopen?
16th century Thatched pub that is now a free house.
Since the 18th century this pub was tied to Greene King, but the current owners now own the freehold and have decided to give the cask pumps a little break from serving Greene King products. Cur...Currently closed and empty.
Owners Greene King have submitted plans to convert the pub into a residential property and to build five further houses on the 0.32 hectare site.
The plans to convert the site have been opposed by Beck Row, Holywell Row and Kenny Hill Parish Council, which said: ...Rose (previously Rose & Crown, Kicking Dickey, Kicking Donkey), Crowfield
Currently closed but occupied.
Plush lounge bar with good range of food. Garden has a children's play area.Currently being refurbished and likely to reopen soon with real ales available.
This pub has not sold real ale for a long while so will hopefully be a welcome return to the local drinking scene.Large modern bar/restaurant adjacent to town's main theatre. Closed January 2013 along with the theatre.
The original Swan was over the road in a building now called the Slade. It closed its doors in 1829 as a result of the enclosure of Westerfield Green. The current building opened about a year later.
Currently (January 2013) closed, having been on the market for quite some time.
Current owners,...This 16th cent. pub retains three bars. Disabled toilet.
According to Alfred Hedges' book, "Inns and Inn Signs of Norfolk and Suffolk", the name refers not to the number of bells in the local church, but to "the activities of the local team of handbell ringers".
Reported t...Tramway Hotel, Lowestoft Pakefield
Prominent pub that takes its name from a tram terminal that once stood opposite.
Under threat as Tesco have applied for permission to turn it into yet another supermarket: Lowestoft Journal report. A large local campaign, supported by both local MP Peter Aldous and former MP Bob Blizzard, is tryi...Uncle Tom's Cabin (previously Orwell Mariner), Ipswich
Small pub with nautical connections. For a long time fizz-only, but noted in March 2010 to be selling Real Ale again, though we're not sure if this has continued.
The Orwell Mariner name came about in the 1980s, when Ipswich Borough Council threatened to close the pub down because of its "ra...Victoria (previously Queen Victoria), Felixstowe Ferry
A popular restaurant and bar set close to the sea wall with good views out to sea from the upper windows. The original Victorian building was extended in the late 1990s. The restaurant (12-2.30; 6-9) offers locally caught fish.
The building was purchased in April 2011; we hope to hear news of re-...Nicely furnished hotel with public bar to rear and separate restaurant. Taxi service and bike hire also available; ring the pub's 'phone number for bookings.
Reopened in June 2012 after a short period of closure, but closed again recently (Feb 2013)
Built late 17th century.Reportedly (March 2013) currently closed. If you know more, please get in touch.
Attractive building set well back from road and fronted with a large garden. Small public bar with larger lounge & dining space.
Built late 16th-early 17th century.
A report in the Ipswich Journal** in 184...Found boarded up and de-signed when visited in May 2013.
Lounge bar with adjoining games room. A split level drinking area extends up steps to a large beer garden.
The building dates from the 1510, according to Alfred Hedges' 1976 book, "Inns and Inn Signs of Norfolk and Suffolk".
Found closed and for sale when visited in May 2013.