On Sunday 24th June 8 intrepid cyclists met at Colchester North Station to venture into deepest Suffolk.The overnight rain had stopped but it was still very windy.The 10.12 was boarded,and on our arrival in Ipswich our leader Nigel led us on a dazzling route through town avoiding major roads as we headed out to our first stop,The Fox Inn at Newbourne.We arrived 15mins before opening time so waited in the pleasant area outside the pub.Here we had a history lesson from our elder statesman Peter Whybrow informing us that Newbourne was a Land Settlement Association-which I had never heard of.These were set up in 1934 as a scheme to provide unemployed workers from depressed areas with employment on the land,and there were 26 such settlements.History lesson over!!
The Fox was a fairly foodie pub,which had Adnams Bitter and Ghostship,GK IPA reserve and Black sheep Golden Sheep.The prices here produced a bit of discussion,£3.78 a pint or £1.89 a half for the guest beers!!
A tremendous downpour kept us here a bit longer than we wanted,but when we left we were greeted with the sight of Keiths cape which made up for everything.Couple of times it looked like he would take off!!
Next pub was a brief stop at The Angel at Woodbridge which was a shame as it is a cracking pub.On offer here were Adnams Best and Ghostship,Doombar,Wherry and Old Speckled Hen.All at £3.20 a pint I believe.The Ghostship I had was superb.
All too quickly we had to leave as we were booked in for Lunch at The White Lion Inn at Lower Ufford,which closes sunday afternoon.This was a new pub for most of us,and what a cracker it was They sold beers from their own Brewery-The Uffa Brewery-which I had never heard of.The 2 beers they had on that day were Uffa Gold and Ufford Tipple(£3.20),both superb.Adnams Best was also available,and all beers were on gravity at the back of the bar.The Sunday Lunch was superb as well,no complaints from Peter,a very rare occurence!!We were then treated to a brief brewery tour which was very much appreciated.The beers are only available here and at a few beer festivals apparently,and they have only been brewing just over a year.Worth a trip out!!
We had to drag our full stomachs onto the next pub,which was The Turks Head at Hasketon,a fairly long ride,but only Keith got a puncture!!Another lovely pub,large beer garden and you can also camp here.Beers on offer here were Adnams Best,Cliff Quay Clipper,Wherry and The Rev James.The Clipper was superb,and a good price of £2.90 a pint.
The speed had slipped a bit now as we headed to our last stop,
The Dog at Grundisburgh.I decided to lightweight out and have a Coffee,but the others sampled Adnams Best,Wherry,and Earl Soham Victoria-at £2.80 a pint the cheapest beer of the day!!!A nice little pub,and the Village store next door was still open at 5 on a Sunday.It was then about 6 miles back to Ipswich,where some diverted to the Dove for a beer whilst others wasted the rest of their evenings watching England get embarrassed by Italy.A great day out,about 40 miles of cycling ,and some superb beer and food.What could be better. :)