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Olive Leaf, Ipswich

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66-68 St Helen's St, Ipswich, IP4 2LA (View on Google Map)

This Restaurant is Permanently Closed

This is a restaurant, where drinking alcohol, including draught and bottled beer, is only allowed when food is being consumed.

Restaurant retaining a bar.

A 17th century timber-framed building, altered in the 19th century.

For most of its history, it traded as the Olive Leaf. More recently in the 21st century it became the Grinning Rat, then in 2020 Hank's (a vegan pub/restaurant). Closed permanently in 2025.

Historic Interest

Originally the Olive Leaf, which was for many years the town's main gay venue. Later traded as the Grinning Rat and changed to Hank's in 2020.

"From the mid-1890s until 1909, my great great grandparents James & Emma Cross were licensees of what was then called The Olive Leaf Tavern in St Helen's Street. Whilst James continued to work as a printer, Emma ran the pub on her own & also looked after their son Charles & grandson William, who became my grandfather" (information from Rod Cross) Also listed at 68 St Helen Street.

Information for this venue is provided by the Ipswich & East Suffolk Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Grinning Rat; Hank's Pub & Food; Hank's Dirty
Local Authority
Ipswich District (B)
Last updated
13/11/2025
Last surveyed
03/03/2020
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Heineken UK
Pub ID
SUF/488
Asset of Community Value
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