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Fat Cat, Ipswich

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Cask Ale Real Cider
Operator: Independent
288 Spring Rd, Ipswich, IP4 5NL (View on Google Map)

The Fat Cat is popular small, multi-roomed real ale bar with no music and no games machines. The conservatory to the rear of the pub creates an airy space in contrast to the cosy bar areas and leads out to the pretty garden.

There are only two handpumps, but don't be fooled; there's an extensive range of well-kept cask ales served direct from casks in the taproom. Look at the blackboards above the bar for a list of what is currently available. Regular favourites such as Adnams and Woodforde's are to be found alongside a changing range of cask ales from around the region and the country. There is also a small but carefully chosen range of Belgian bottled ales. In addition, two craft keg ales are usually available; Three Blind Mice Juice Rocket and another changing ale.

The pub regularly stocks up to five real ciders. The beer selection may peak on a Friday evening (up to 15 may be available) and then reduces during early weekdays. The pub's website helpfully indicates the beers that are available and those coming soon.

Access from the street involves steep steps, but a ramp is available for those with limited mobility; please ask the staff to deploy it. Please note that the toilets in this Victorian pub are not accessible for wheelchair users.

You are welcome to order in a takeaway to the pub, and the pub will supply plates & cutlery. Please scrape your plates and leave them in the kitchen area afterwards.

The pub is very popular and in the summertime many visitors head into the garden or onto the patio. Make sure to take time to explore the enamel signs and other artefacts scattered around the walls.

No children under 18 allowed. Dogs are allowed but MUST be on a lead.

There are monthly quiz nights on Mondays to raise money for local charities.

The Pub was awarded Local branch Town Pub of the Year for 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.

Historic Interest

Prior to Oct 1996 the pub was called was called The Spring Tavern. Photographs of this pub and more historical information about it can be found at suffolk.camra.org.uk/pub/470

Information for this venue is provided by the Ipswich & East Suffolk Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Spring Tavern
Local Authority
Ipswich District (B)
Last updated
Last surveyed
15/03/2026
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
individual
Pub ID
SUF/470
Asset of Community Value
Premium Access Required

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Premium Access Required
Monday
Noon - 11:00pm
Tuesday
Noon - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Noon - 11:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 11:00pm
Friday
Noon - 11:00pm
Saturday
Noon - 11:00pm
Sunday
Noon - 10:00pm

TasteMatch

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Current beers

This Pub serves 13 changing beers and 2 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen

Woodforde's - Wherry TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Woodforde's - Wherry
Woodforde's - Wherry Session Bitter • 3.8% Spotted once
Woodforde's - Wherry
SIBA Indie Beer Sold Here
Woodforde's - Wherry

This beer is served regularly and Spotted once. at Fat Cat, Ipswich.

ABV 3.8%
Cask
Style Session Bitter
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No

Adnams - Ghost Ship TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Adnams - Ghost Ship
Adnams - Ghost Ship Session Pale Ale • 4.1%
Adnams - Ghost Ship
SIBA Indie Beer Sold Here
Adnams - Ghost Ship

This beer is served regularly at Fat Cat, Ipswich.

ABV 4.1%
Cask
Style Session Pale Ale
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No

Nethergate - Umbel Magna TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Nethergate - Umbel Magna
Nethergate - Umbel Magna Flavoured Speciality Beers • 5% Spotted once
Nethergate - Umbel Magna
Nethergate - Umbel Magna

Spotted once recently. Last spotted 1 week ago at Fat Cat, Ipswich.

ABV 5%
Style Flavoured Speciality Beers
Colour
Vegan Yes
Gluten Free No

Three Blind Mice - Simple Stout TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Three Blind Mice - Simple Stout
Three Blind Mice - Simple Stout Strong Stout • 5% Spotted once
Three Blind Mice - Simple Stout
Three Blind Mice - Simple Stout

Spotted once recently. Last spotted 1 week ago at Fat Cat, Ipswich.

ABV 5%
Style Strong Stout
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No
Changing

Changing beers typically include: Crouch Vale


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Facilities
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
snacks
Garden Garden
Mobility Access Statement Mobility Access Statement
Access from the street involves steep steps, but a ramp is available for those with limited mobility; please ask the staff to deploy it. Please note that the toilets in this Victorian pub are not accessible for wheelchair users.
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
well behaved on a lead
Events Events
monthly quiz nights on Mondays
Newspapers Newspapers
Smoking Smoking
heated area in garden
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Cask Ale Cask Ale
Real Cider Real Cider
Quiet Quiet
Transport
Close to bus routes
75, 77, 78, 79
Nearby Station (955m)
Derby Road (Ipswich)
Ordnance Survey Reference

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