The Spread Eagle — Restaurant in Ipswich

A Nightmarish Encounter with Power-Drunk Staff!

Beware, potential patrons! My recent visit to the spread eagle turned into a surreal nightmare, thanks to the astounding lack of professionalism and a serious power trip from the management.

Two weeks ago, my card was stolen on the premises, and instead of the expected empathy, I was greeted with audacious accusations of dishonesty from the manager. The rudeness was off the charts, and I was dealing with someone on a power trip.

Thankfully, a neighbouring pub, proved to be a shining beacon of customer service and helped me retrieve my card. Little did I know, my ordeal was far from over.

Upon returning a week later, I found myself banned by the manager. Trying to reason with her was like talking to a brick wall—only, this wall was not just indifferent but shockingly rude. The reason for my ban? Another customer's wrongdoing!

The manager seemed to relish in her newfound authority, displaying an alarming level of aggression and an outright refusal to provide any valid reason for my ban. It was a blatant power trip, and the rudeness was beyond what one would expect in any customer-service-oriented establishment.

If you're a fan of being accused, mistreated, and subjected to an authoritarian power trip, by all means, visit the spread eagle. For the rest of us who value respect and courtesy, steer clear of this...

We stumbled upon this place on a two day stop over. We liked it so much we went back on our second day! It is a lovely place to stop and catch your breath. We sat in the garden (met the friendly pub cat). Drinks are reasonably priced, served nicely and delivered to your table promptly. The friendly lady behind the bar was helpful, attentive and knew her stuff. On our second visit, we tried the cocktails 2 for £12 on Sundays, and again we weren't disappointed. They were just setting up for a poetry reading session, but sadly we didn't have time to stay. A pint of premium lager and a rhubarb and ginger gin came to less than a tenner. Both were nicely presented, especially the gin (fine slices of fresh ginger and lime included, lovely to sit and muddle whilst enjoying the sunshine). Would we go here again..... Yes, again and again.... Next time we are in...

My friends and I were excited when we heard that Grain Brewery had taken this lovely old pub. Beer quality is certainly good, but what a pity about thelandlady's attitude. My friend's wife drives him into town, so she limits herself to a single glass of wine. She likes a 175ml glass because it keeps her below the limit but gives her enough to enjoy. The pub only does 125ml or 250ml glasses of wine. Two of us suggested in a friendly way that selling 175ml glasses (like every other pub does) might be a good idea. But her attitude was dismissive and frankly insulting. Shecould have had a group visiting a couple of times a week, spending £40, £50 or £60 a night between them, but apparently doesn't want us.

And a shame they repainted the pub in a horrible battleship grey instead of the nice colours it had...