Ipswich Star Pub of the Week is Bistro on the Quay

This week we headed down to Bistro on the Quay, in 3 Wherry Quay, opposite incredible views of the Ipswich Waterfront.

Personally, I had never been to Bistro on the Quay and neither had Oli - my company for the afternoon - so we were very eager to find out what was in store for us.

The interior was fantastic having recently been redecorated (Image: Dan Laughlan)

The windows allowed for great views of the waterfront (Image: Dan Laughlan)

On a gloriously sunny afternoon on the Ipswich Waterfont during a Tuesday lunchtime we entered the bistro and were met with a luxury feel from the moment we entered.

For a Tuesday afternoon it was relatively busy - which always has me thinking, 'I know what I'm doing here, but why are you here?' - obviously there is something special about this place.

We were met with a tremendously joyful waiter and led to our sun-kissed seats with mine facing a huge window looking out to the waterfront.

The starter was absolutely fantastic (Image: Dan Laughlan)

The main dish was spectacularly presented (Image: Dan Laughlan)

With both of us hungry and ready for a hearty lunch, we settled on a deal that meant we could have two courses for around £16.

However, the menu was extensive and had a variety of options for starters, mains and deserts.

I settled on a pulled beef crumpet as my starter which was incredible. The beef was full of flavour and the crumpet paired with pickled cucumbers and rarebit really left us wowed.

For a main, I had the chicken and chorizo skewer which was instantly impressive from the way it was served and could be accompanied by chips or rice.

To cleanse our pallets I went for an Aspall's cider while Oli opted for a pint of Hawkstone on draught.

The paintings around us were all for sale with many coming from local artists (Image: Dan Laughlan)

Owner Julian Jourdain with his beloved and infamous dog Slash (Image: Dan Laughlan)

In terms of the bistro, it was visually stunning having been redecorated at the start of January.

The room we were sat in was filled with a number of paintings - with many done by local artists - which were all for sale for customers.

Each painting had a price and customers regularly take a liking to one and end up leaving with it - with the majority of the sale going to the artists themselves.

The idea was unique to me and one I thought was great for the bistro and for the town as a whole.

The Wine Boutique had a number of events lined up with many sold out (Image: Dan Laughlan)

The bistro is the only place to get Visor in the town - a beer created in Ipswich (Image: Dan Laughlan)

Owner Julian Jourdain came over to introduce himself to us during the meal and took myself for a tour of the upstairs labelled 'The Wine Boutique'.

Mr Jourdain explained a number of events take place in the Wine Boutique - of which many are sold out - and mentioned how the upstairs can become a party area.

On tap was a beer named Visor - an Ipswich created beer that is brewed in Belgium - which is only available here throughout the town these days.

Mr Jourdain spoke of how they aim to keep things as local as possible throughout his establishment which is a real benefit to the town and county.

All in all, it was a fantastic venue coupled with great food which would be ideal for a number of occasions.