On this day in 2022, the Ipswich Star reported that a pub on the banks of the River Orwell, just outside Ipswich, had been named the best in Suffolk at the National Pub & Bar Awards.
The Freston Boot, located on the Shotley peninsula, was one of 94 pubs and bars across the UK that received this recognition for their excellence in their respective counties.
Damon Jeffrey, the manager at the Boot, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating: "It's fantastic, all the hard work from myself and the team has been recognised.
"It makes me feel really proud."
He added: "We're not just the standard foodie pub, we have our little boutique cinema, and livestock — all of our eggs come from our chickens and ducks, and depending on the season we also grow vegetables in the kitchen garden.
"We also host festival style weddings, with Teepees and firepits."
Mr Jeffrey attributed the Freston Boot's success to the team's adaptability and dedication.
He remarked: "We try new ideas and adapt to every request.
"We will bend over backwards to make customers happy.
"I'm currently building a bespoke boat bar for a wedding.
"If we stay stagnant, we will die."
Other notable winners in the East of England included The Galvin Green Man in Essex, The Three Hills in Cambridgeshire, and The Dabbling Duck in Norfolk.
Tristan O'Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, said at the time: "Just from being out in these venues, you can see how much pubs and bars mean to people across the UK.
"With visitor numbers increasing, it’s more important than ever for operators to deliver a standout service during every visit – no matter the business in question.
"These 94 county winners are wonderful examples of the brilliance of today’s modern on-trade.
"If you live near one of these sites, make sure you pay them a visit."
[From the Ipswich Star of April 13, 2022]
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