Cool Places
The Swan at Stratford St Mary
Lower Street, Stratford St Mary, Ipswich, Suffolk CO7 9JR
Situated in the centre of Stratford St Mary, an attractive village on the Suffolk-Essex borders, The Swan has always been a convivial and popular pub. It's an ancient place, no question, a historic 17th century watering-hole that was taken over a decade ago by Mark and Sophie Dorber, who run the The Anchor in Walberswick, about an hour to the north. Together they transformed that place, turning it into an landmark gastropub and boutique inn, and they've done something similar with The Swan – maintaining its historic heritage while at the same time hauling it firmly into the 20th century, with a new bar, menu and most importantly its own microbrewery. The pub is also right in the heat of 'Constable Country' – handy for Dedham, Flatford Mill, East Bergholt and the others sights and attractions pertaining to the famous Victorian landscapist, and makes a perfect stop-off for a drink or something to eat.
Mark is a big noise on the beer scene, having spent a lifetime unearthing and promoting great ales from home and abroad. He founded the Beer Academy in 2003, and the Swan is his bid to create the perfect local pub and restaurant. So far he hasn't done a bad Job, with an impressive selection of beers on tap from all over the world and a delicious rustic menu to go with them. The original front of the pub, with its beams, uneven floors and open fires, is pretty much unchanged and very cosy. But it's complemented with a bright and contemporary open area with floor-to-ceiling windows and a beautiful long bar to showcase all those wonderful ales. At the back they produce their own ales and beyond that there's a huge garden and patio that comes into its own during summer.