Cafe At The Hold in Ipswich

I'd arrived early to see the Destinations exhibition about emigration from Suffolk, so had time for a sausage bap and large cup of coffee for a fiver. Jolly nice too. The exhibition, which runs until May 31st is interesting, especially for me when I have visited places like Jamestown and Boston, both settled by emigrants from Suffolk. It was spoiled somewhat by some astonishingly sloppy spelling and grammar and some very strange positioning of exhibits, making them impossible to read. Worth a visit, though - especially as it's free. So, back to the café, where a home-made sausage roll and pot of tea hit the spot for an early lunch. The pastry was beautifully flaky, the sausage dense and well-seasoned. Speedy free WiFi too. One of the Receptionists at the B&B Hotel recommended the space; I have already booked to see the National Theatre production of Dr. Strangelove in a couple of weeks.

So glad to have found this lovely cafe! Toasties were delicious (ham and cheese, Brie and cranberry) also generously filled and very reasonable. Staff were friendly and attentive, and food was served quickly. Immaculate toilets and beautiful views of the waterfront, we will be back!

2 of us got our food but mine was missed. Staff were rude and felt it was my fault!! Eventually got a refund as mine did not arrive. They blamed someone one walking out and the place was too busy. It was lunchtime but seen many other busier places. I was not the only person complaining. Staff need serious customer facing training to firstly apologise and handle situation. Will not be coming back.

This cafe is at the home of Suffolk archives, which has an exhibition and conference centre. That may sound stuffy, but the cafe is cool and has a large veranda that looks across to the waterfront. And it is right by the entrance to the building, so you do not need to enter to find the cafe. It is just across the road from the main University of Suffolk building, so it might get busy in term time. On my visit, the coffee was very good and it was very pleasant to sit outside and enjoy it, watching the world go by. The cafe is quite spacious, too, with tables both inside and out.