Masons Arms — Restaurant in West Suffolk

Mason Arms, Bury St Edmunds: A Rustic Gem for Food and Ale Lovers

Nestled in the charming market town of Bury St Edmunds, the Mason Arms is a quintessentially British pub that effortlessly combines rustic charm, outstanding food, and a welcoming atmosphere. This is not just another stop on the pub crawl; it’s a destination in its own right, perfect for anyone who appreciates quality, authenticity, and a bit of character.

From the moment you step inside, the cozy, rustic decor sets the tone for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Exposed beams, warm lighting, and a lively yet intimate ambiance make the Mason Arms feel like the kind of place where locals gather, stories flow, and everyone feels at home.

The menu is a standout, offering hearty, traditional British fare done exceptionally well. Their pies are nothing short of legendary—perfectly golden crusts encasing rich, flavorful fillings that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. The scotch egg is a delightful treat: crisp on the outside, with a perfectly soft center that’s a testament to their attention to detail. Every dish is prepared with care, making it clear this pub doesn’t just rely on its drinks to keep patrons coming back.

Speaking of drinks, the beer selection is excellent, featuring a wide range of ales, lagers, and ciders that cater to every palate. Whether you’re after a local craft beer or something more traditional, you’re sure to find a pint worth savoring. And the drink prices? More than reasonable, which is rare for such a high-quality experience.

If you’re lucky enough to visit on a pleasant day—or even a chilly one—you’ll want to take advantage of the outdoor patio. With its heat lamps and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy your meal or drink al fresco while soaking in the charm of Bury St Edmunds.

In short, the Mason Arms is a true gem. Whether you’re a foodie, a beer enthusiast, or just someone in search of a great spot to relax, this pub delivers on all fronts. Rustic charm, unbeatable pies, and a scotch egg that deserves its own fan club—it’s everything you want in a British pub and more....

We chose this pub due to the midway location to meet the in-laws and having checked out the reviews everything looked great! We called and checked they could cater for me (vegan) which they could! I sent them a fb message prior to the day (fathers day!) just to make sure as I know places prefer to know in advance if they have people with dietary requirements coming... We got there and I asked for the vegan menu to which one of the staff came up to the table and said 'We don't have anything. Literally nothing at all' (word for word). I plucked bits from the menu and asked if they wouldn't mind putting together something like pasta with tomatoes and basil. They called the head chef who said they couldn't do this. I ended up celebrating fathers day with a jacket potato and beans. (now I'm used to this as not many places cater for vegans but I was disappointed at the lack of help / flexibility offered by the pub) there was a friendly and helpful gentleman at the end when we paid who I told our troubles too, his advice was that I REALLY stress next time that I'm vegan. I'm not really sure how else we can spend 10 minutes on the phone going through vegan dishes in advance to then find out on the day that they couldn't cater for me. Maybe I should have said 'I'm REALLY vegan'...

I'm in the hospitality trade so I know how it all works, if this happened at my venue... I would go out and buy something to make sure the customer was happy. But there you go... Unfortunately none of us would return due to our experience here, it ruined the day for us and my father in law was devastated that everyone tucked into a nice meal and I had to settle for the one and only thing on the menu that was suitable.

P.s can I just add... I'm really not a fussy eater, I very rarely complain. This review is more about how I was treated as a customer rather than the fact they had a poor / no vegan menu choice - I'm...

Complaint Regarding Service on 13th June

I entered the pub on the 13th of June with a friend for a casual pint. We ordered 2 pints, but one of them was clearly from the bottom of the keg — it had failed at less than a quarter full. As is standard practice in every pub I’ve ever been to, I politely asked when the keg had last been changed and requested a fresh pint. No customer expects or wants the bottom of the keg poured.

Surprisingly, both bar staff refused to change the pint. What made the situation even more unacceptable was that moments later, they offered that same pint to another customer — an American lady — who herself was unsure about it, and was eventually served a brand new pint.

The duty manager then arrived and instead of resolving the issue professionally, became argumentative, refused to replace the pint, refused to issue a refund, and completely dismissed my concerns. I attempted to raise my points but was ignored throughout.

Let me be clear: customers come first. It is basic hospitality that if a customer raises a reasonable request (such as not wanting the end of the keg), staff should accommodate it — or at the very least, handle the matter respectfully. The behaviour of both the staff and especially the manager was unprofessional and unacceptable.

Frankly, the manager on duty that night is not fit for their role and should be seriously reviewed. Customer service training is clearly needed.

I expect this complaint to be acknowledged and addressed...