Ipswich
The Grill At Twenty5

The Grill At Twenty5

25 St Nicholas St, Ipswich IP1 1TW, UK, United Kingdom

Food • Grill • Steak • Salad


"Quite a puzzling visit after reading all the good reviews. The welcome and the staff were very friendly and attentive, service was fast and the food fresh and hot. However, it seemed to us that there was a lack of passion in terms of aesthetics and flavours. We both had the roast veg tart served with sautéed potatoes and fine beans and it was exactly that nothing else, dry. We had to ask for some mayo and garlic butter to jazz it up a bit and then it was probably on par with a lunch you might get in a cafe at a gallery or nature reserve. When charging £15 £25 for a main there needs to be a little bit of imagination and craft even more so with vegetarian dishes. Butter, oil, herbs, spices, balsamic, garlic, salsa verde, dijon etc are all really good and simple ways to make an otherwise bland meal of fresh ingredients delicious. The decor of the place is approached in much the same manner. We don't like going to chain eateries but at least most make an effort with atmosphere, aesthetics and flavour. In short: If you're happy with hunks of steak and don't care about the rest then these guys will sort you out in a friendly and efficient manner if you're expecting to be able to deviate from the meat dishes and still have your tastebuds tickled then I'd go somewhere else. Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: £20–30 Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 2"

The Brook Inn

The Brook Inn

The Street, Ipswich I-IP8 3HR, United Kingdom

Pub • Vegan • British • Vegetarian


"Today, when we arrived, the place was quite busy, which isn’t really my vibe, but I know some people enjoy that atmosphere. Therefore, I’m giving it a 5/5 for ambiance. The table arrangement is such that you don’t feel cramped next to the people at adjacent tables, which is great even for a group of five. Now, let’s talk about the food because that’s what really matters. Wow! It felt like Gordon Ramsay Jr. was in the kitchen because I could hear the chef barking orders at the waitstaff, who were playfully telling him to be quiet. I love that! It shows he’s passionate and has high standards, which is a great sign. One member of our party ordered steak, and it was devoured entirely, which is a clear indication it was perfect. I recently had a tooth extraction, but I managed to enjoy the ham, egg, and chips, which were fantastic. My wife had the pork belly and declared it lovely, complimenting the 'perfect' amount of gravy (and she’s a gravy expert!). As for the customer service, it was top-notch. Despite the busyness, the staff remained attentive. I forgot to leave a tip, and I genuinely regret that. They asked us how the food was and if the steak was cooked to our liking, which is a nice touch. They’re proactive rather than reactive! They even interrupted themselves with a polite, "sorry to interrupt," which shows they are well trained and courteous. They also cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan diets. The menu offers a good selection, and there’s plenty of parking behind the restaurant, although it can get busy, so parking may require some careful maneuvering. In summary, I’d rate this pub a solid 10/10. As the Austrian Oak would say, "I’ll be back!""

Mariners Of Ipswich

Mariners Of Ipswich

Neptune Quay, IP4 1QJ, Ipswich, United Kingdom

Kebab • Steak • French • Cheese


"Checking in to a hotel in an unfamiliar place, it is tempting to book one 's first evening meal in the hotel 's restaurant (unless, of course, one has had chance to research the alternatives beforehand . This may seem a safe option, but is often a mistake, as it was on my visit to Ipswich. Had I only known that a minute 's walk along the quayside would have taken me to Mariners, I should have eaten there twice rather than only once! A floating restaurant can often prove to be a bit of a gimmick, but Mariners seemed to get good reviews so, on night two, I gave it a try. A beautifully restored and maintained Dutch customs gunboat from 1900, with gleaming brass and polished woodwork, the restaurant offers a limited, but well-constructed, menu to satisfy most tastes. Being aboard a boat, I opted for seafood, and was not disappointed. There being an R in the month , mussels were a good choice for my starter, followed by a seafood skewer , presented with just enough theatre to be amusing but not over the top. Not fine dining , perhaps, but well-prepared, nicely presented and very satisfying dishes at reasonable prices. A limited wine list, perhaps a bit on the pricey side, but the Picpoul de Pinet proved to be an excellent accompaniment without over-stressing the credit card. Service struck just the right balance between politeness and friendliness. My fellow diners embraced the whole age spectrum (I was by far the oldest! weighted perhaps towards the younger end, the common factor being that everyone (myself included was clearly enjoying themself. There are many other dining venues along the Ipswich quayside that my brief visit did not allow me to try, but Mariners can be recommended as a safe and enjoyable bet."