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Ipswich and East Suffolk

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Local beer producers

These are the beer producers currently operating in our branch area. For a list of all breweries in the county, along with information about historical breweries, see the Suffolk Pubs website.

Big Drop: specialise in producing very low (0.5%) ABV beers. Founded in 2016, the company is based in Ipswich, though beers are brewed elsewhere (in Sussex). We understand there are plans to build a brewery in Suffolk in the future. website

Briarbank: based in a former bank building near the Wet Dock, Briarbank started brewing in 2013. They have a taproom above the brewery and run regular beer festivals in a marquee behind the brewery. brewery website.

Burnt Mill: founded in 2017, this brewery is based in a factory unit on the outskirts of Stowmarket. They don't produce Cask Ale, but brew high-quality Craft ales, sold in cans and kegs, which are widely available. Sophie de Ronde has been head brewer here since 2018 and in 2020 was awarded "Brewer of the Year" by the British Guild of Beer Writers. brewery website

Calvor's: founded in 2008 by Alec Williamson, Calvor's is based at Coddenham Green and specialises in high-quality craft lagers, though some Cask Ale is produced as well. The brewery is now owned by Lacon's, of Great Yarmouth.

Dove Street: owned and run by the adjacent Dove Street Inn, Dove Street Brewery first brewed in July 2011. As well as 8 or 9 core beers, a number of specials are produced. brewery website

Gruff: started brewing mid-2023 and is based in Stratford St Mary. At present a very small operation, but owner Gareth has plans to expand production before too long. brewery website

Krafty Braumeister: founded in 2018 by Uli Schiefelbein, this Leiston-based brewery specialises in German style beers. Uli is a former German policeman who got the brewing bug while working in Baghdad, where quality beer was in short-supply. brewery website

Mr Bees: founded in 2017 by Trimley beekeeper Tim Berni, to add to his business selling bee products. Unlike some honey beers, Tim's brews are well-balanced and the honey flavour doesn't overwhelm the drinker. brewery website

Old Felixstowe: a small-scale brewery which started production in an outhouse in Old Felixstowe (hence the name). About 2021 production was expanded with a move to Kirton. Beers are all bottle-conditioned. brewery website

St Jude's: founded mid-2006 in Ipswich by local CAMRA member Frank Walsh and his partner Colleen Seymour (who is the brewster). Beers are generally available at their brewery tap in St Matthew's Street.

Uffa: based at the White Horse in Lower Ufford, Uffa has been brewing since May 2011. Beers are available on tap in the pub. brewery website.

We also understand that the small brewery at the Swan in Stratford St Mary should be back in production in the near future.