16 Steakhouse — Restaurant in Ipswich

This was organised by my local U3A and a group of 20 or so of us gathered for our monthly dining evening, which visits venues all over East Suffolk. There was a bit of a hiatus when more of us turned up than they had prepared for which meant them squeezing in everyone into a far too small a space. Quite why they didn't move an isolated couple at the end of our long table, I have no idea, but it must have been pretty unpleasant for the couple and horribly squished for us. Having pre-ordered our meals, apart from the unexpected arrivals, there was no apology for the long delay of nearly an hour before our, mainly burger, meals arrived. The burgers are normally £16.25, but most of us took advantage of the Thursday '2 for £22' offer, which worked out at £11 each, including trimmings, sauce and skin-on fries. I watched the kitchen assemble our meals on a high counter, which was such a slow process, my food, apart from the chips, was tepid when it eventually arrived. Everyone found the char-grilled sweetcorn tough and difficult to eat. Had I not been in a group, the food would have been sent back. It was not satisfactory for a venue whose website claims 'takes pride in delivering an exceptional dining experience'. This was distinctly average, at best.

The burger itself was clearly of good quality, ditto the toasted brioche bun. One of our group sitting near me opted for the grilled lamb salad which, at £20.45, was so enormous, a huge doggie bag was willingly wrapped up. Several folk opted for desserts including the 'Black Forest brownie sundae (spelt Forrest on the menu) at £9.95 and a 'Mini cheese and port' (£7.75) which was most certainly a very small fromage indeed. Except it was cubes of Black Bomber and Suffolk Blue. This venue is geared up for large wedding parties, so why they faffed about so long for a group of just 20 unimpressed me greatly. I will not be...

Visited with my 2 children (8 & 9) both really enjoy steak so thought I'd treat them for half term. Was a little disappointed that they didn't have a steak option on the children’s menu. When I asked, they said it was because the steak is cut and weighed (10oz), so couldn't offer that option. Because if this they both had an adult meal (3x the price of a children's meal) only for them both to order a mixed grill where they had a smaller a 5oz steak?! Despite this, the children loved ordering their salad and dressing from the salad card, and ordering their food and being able to have the steak cooked how they wanted (both had it medium rare) with their choice of rub, side and butters or sauces. They loved the axe type knives for the steak, I really enjoyed the choice of knife as well. it seemed to cut the steak better than the serrated knife that you usually get. There was a really good selection of drinks to choose from. The only other thing that let it down slightly is there is no children's dessert menu. They both would have liked a dessert, but there wasn't really anything they would eat from the adult one. Even if just an ice cream was available or the mini brownie without the hot drink. All in all the children and I really enjoyed our meals, the staff were friendly polite and helpful. I wasnt to sure with the look of the outside of the building what it was going to be like inside, but i was pleasantly surprised. Decor was lovely and all decorated for Halloween. We will be returning...

I have visited Venue 16 a number of times over recent years when I have photographed events there, or attended networking events. I visited for the first time as a diner to the restaurant today. Having heard many good things about the restaurant, I was excited for my visit and it certainly did not disappoint. We visited mid-afternoon today (Sunday). We had booked the table. We were given a warm, friendly welcome and we were shown through to our table. The member of staff explained the child’s menu to us and also mentioned that a roast could also be provided for my son if he wanted it. The menu card for children is a nice touch, simple Tick boxes next to the items required. The child’s menu is either two or three course set menu. My son opted for chicken nuggets and chips and he really enjoyed it. He had ice cream for dessert. Soon after we sat down at the table we were asked if we wanted any drinks, we asked for a few more minutes and then another member of staff appeared a little later to take our order. I chose Roast turkey dinner which was exceptional. The turkey was moist, the vegetables were cooked just right and the Yorkshire pudding was large, light and crispy. Perfect. My wife chose a beef brisket burger which she really enjoyed too. The restaurant is incredibly clean and the staff were very professional. I was very impressed and I will definitely be...