In late February some very thirsty drinkers from Ipswich CAMRA decided to shake-off the economic blues and head off into West Suffolk for a relaxed day out visiting five local micro brewers. First stop was Edwardstone White Horse where we arrived in warm sunshine and were immediately greeted with an impromptu aerobatic flying display. Pub owner John Norton and brewer, his son Tom were there to greet us. Just behind the pub is the Mill Green (ecologically friendly) brewery that opened in August 2008. After getting a pint of beer from the bar we were divided into two groups and then headed into the brewery for a tour. The pub is now run by Gavin Barnes & Amy Mitchell who offer the full range of beers from the brewery plus some guest beers. House beers on the day included Loveleys Fair (4%) a pale & aromatically hopped brew, Mad Old John ( 4.2%) a smooth, dark old ale, Good Ship Arbella (5.4% ) an American style blonde ale ( named after the ship used by John Winthrop when he sailed to found the first colony in America ) and Mawkin Mild ( 2.9%) which is black and full of flavor ( Mawkin is an old Suffolk name for a Scarecrow ). All too soon our visit was over and we headed on towards Bildeston.

We arrived at the King's Head a short while after some Suffolk cyclists (about 30 of them). So understandably the pub was rather cosy once we had all fitted in. Now just a single bar, landlord Nigel Fell and his wife, Susan remained very calm throughout and offered us two house beers and a selection of lunchtime snacks. Bildeston Best (3.6%) and Landlady (4%) are currently being brewed by Nigel and he hopes to offer one or two other brews occasionally. Both beers were in good condition and the visit provided us with the perfect opportunity to try them. After everyone had settled down Nigel also opened up the small brew house at the rear of the pub and showed us how he is currently using the equipment. Former owner/landlord Kevin Harrison still lives next door and soon joined the gathering party in the pub garden and patio for a bit of a social chat and natter. Sadly, all too soon the sunny weather was replaced with dull grey clouds and it was time to press on again. So we headed to Sudbury.

Although the weather had changed, at the Sudbury Brewery Tap, now owned by Mauldons brewery, their tenants Sally and Clive still made us most welcome. Moletrap Bitter (3.8%), Silver Adder (4.2%), Suffolk Pride (4.5%), Black Adder (5.3%) and Micawbers Mild (3.8%) warmly greeted us on an array of hand-pumps as we walked through the door and soon various snacks were also being consumed too. Our visits to the first two pubs had been quite frantic, so now was a good time to relax more and enjoy the late afternoon in this cosy new retreat. After a couple of rounds and quite a lot more friendly banter we finally headed onward to Bury St Edmunds.

Taking an opportunity to go past the Westgate Brewery as we entered the historic town, we travelled through the market place and were soon parked up just a short walk from the Old Cannon brewery bar. Once here we found Best Bitter (3.8%), Black Pig (4.2%), Gunner’s Daughter (5.5%) and Bow Chaser (4%) on offer. We soon settled down amongst the brewing equipment and enjoyed a chance to try the Black Pig in particular, an excellent new brew. The pub is still very popular with diners (especially at weekends) and we noticed how quickly it filled just before we were due to leave.

Heading on to the Market Weston Mill our job for the day was almost done. This friendly rural pub is not owned by the nearby Old Chimney brewery but does regularly feature their beers. The Military Mild and Natterjack beers were currently on offer together with various other guest beers and so we settled down for our final sup of the day. All too soon we were heading back towards Ipswich where some extended their drinking by joining Graham’s 65 th birthday bash at the Dove (well done to Graham who is a former vice branch Chairman). Also many thanks to both our patient driver and all the fabulous local brewers – we are very lucky and couldn’t have done it without you!