Punch Bowl Inn in Mid Suffolk

A gem of a pub with amazing food & great service. Haven't had as good a meal as this in a long time - will definitely return.

Excellent in every way, the young staff were really attentive and pleasant, will be going back very soon.

Only had drinks but staff were friendly the pub was everything you would expect from. Proper pub

Great village pub. Food and service was amazing. Highly recommend.

Read the reviews before visiting and felt comfortable with my decision to come here, and I'm very glad I did. Myself and my partner both opted for the Burger, if it's not clear from the picture, it was huge. Can quite honestly say it's the best burger I've had, probably ever. Meat was juicy and well cooked. If you're in the area, or willing to travel to get one of the best burgers you'll have around, it's well worth a visit. Service was thorough and polite, checked up on a few times during our time there to make sure we had everything that we needed. Will be returning

Great local pub, good range of beer and great atmosphere

Called in at lunch time for drinks, not sure if they do food but a very nice pub and garden

We visit here quite often as the beer is very good. Today was no exception. The big disappointment was the class of bar staff. It appeared to be staffed by kids. One girl who I understand was 18. She really struggled with having a conversation. Part of the country pub experience should be exchanging pleasantries with the bar person. This just didn’t happen with this girl. She was helped by an even younger boy (possibly about 14). Is it actually legal for someone of that age to serve alcohol? Both of them seemed more interested in what’s on their phones than being polite to customers. Finally whilst enjoying our drink, we had to watch 3 kids who can’t have been more than 10 sitting at the bar using the bar stools. It resembled a kids playground rather than a village pub. I Have nothing against kids but I really don’t want them lowering the standard of the bar when I try to enjoy a pint there. Surely pubs are for adults and not kids? Surely also it’s debatable whether it’s legal for kids of that age to be populating the car stools? Generally not impressed. Things have to change.

Loved it,food was great,staff very attentive definitely be back.

We met friends at the Punchbowl this week having visited there on many occasions before however, on this occasion I was surprised to see what seemed to be a group of school children running the pub and wearing black leotards 🤷 I don't know what sort of impression they we trying to make but I didn't think their clothing was fit for staff running a public house.

A super country pub. Great service and the food is superb. A really good selection of real beer.

Cosy, friendly community-run pub that punches above its weight with the food, service and ambience. Perfect on an unexpectedly cold and rainy May evening for a long, lazy meal with friends.

Always been a family favourite, great food cooked in house and brilliant service from staff.

Lovely country pub run by the local community, food is always excellent.

Another wonderful meal at The punch Bowl, honestly one of the best Sunday lunches in Suffolk! From the welcome to the goodbye absolutely faultless! Staff are so friendly and atmosphere is warm and homely! Thank you for a lovely afternoon X

Despite having lived in the area for nearly fourteen years we had never been to the Punch Bowl. What a mistake!! Went for Saturday lunch. Lovely friendly welcome. The food was fantastic. My wife had rib-eye steak, cooked perfectly with a stilton sauce which she loved. I had sausage and mash but not any old sausage and mash but the best sausage and mash I've tasted for a very long time. Really enjoyed and highly recommended.

Popped in whilst looking at a local property for sale. Lovely welcoming village pub, had a beautiful lunch as well. Having now bought the house we are hopefully looking forward to the punch bowl becoming our local.

Excellent food great atmosphere & friendly staff a perfect country pub. We will definitely return soon.

Lovely community pub, great to see it open! I used to live there when I was born, back in '87

Honest food with a great selection of ales and beers.

Lovely friendly pub, great food and very quick service.

Very good staff lovely Sunday roast

We visited on Thursday evening. It was Burger night. We were made really welcome on arrival and nothing was too much trouble. The burgers were delicious (the beef burgers tasted homemade) and the chips were lovely. The puddings were really good too. We would definitely come back here, we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. Also a good deal at £12 for a burger with chips and salad, and a drink!

My husbands band were playing, stayed for a meal, all good.

The review is a 4 and a half and that's big for me. Great chef sending out some really good top end (above pub grub) food. Surroundings are very welcoming and cosy, music is eclectic and the staff are great. Would highly recommend if you local or staying in the area.

We had a great meal at this pub and the service was very good and the staff are very friendly and helpful nothing is too much we would definitely go back

First time I've been here and it was the best meal I've had out in years, couldn't fault it at all. Staff were amazing too, so welcoming was such a lovely experience

No menus available at tables or in any easily accessible area (have to queue at the bar to ask for a menu). Jacket potatoes very small (two in our party had JP's, they both came out tiny with no more than a tablespoon of filling - for ~£10 each), although garnish was nice and fresh. Had to ask for cutlery, had run out for outside dining, and had no sauces available to pick up without having to queue at the bar again. No heating under parasols for outdoor dining, which is inconvenient given the interior eating area is tiny. Beer selection is just standard, nothing noteworthy. Won't be returning. It was a shame as I saw lots of other positive reviews, and I was expecting better.

Nice local pub with a decent range of beers

Lovely food, lovely atmosphere and friendly staff.

Amazing, cosy welcoming pub with great food and lovely staff. Great with daughter’s nut allergy, were very well equipped a d accommodating for young kids and great selection of ales.

Another friendly venue in Battisford

Went to visit some friends in Battisford and we were taken to this delightful little country pub. A little gem with a warming fire and equally warm welcome. The staff are friendly and treat you like you are a local. Plenty of beers, wines and spirits to please most palates. We didn't eat there, but the food being served looked delicious and beautifully presented. A definite must go if you are in the area, and if you're not, it's definitely worth a detour. 😊

Marvelous food great atmosphere

Went for the beer festival...was a good selection of beer, cider and gin. They needed more tables in the garden as it was so busy...would have been better if they put the outside bar at the front of the pub then would have more space for people to sit...or get rid of the bouncy castle (I don't have kids !!) But know this was a big attraction for the families !

Excellent country pub run by the community

I only had drinks as was playing darts for another team

Lovely food, friendly staff and plenty of local characters to chat to!

Wonderful pub! Good beer, friendly, and run by the local community

Great ales and beautiful location, the food looked excellent, a trip next time will be added.

Wonderful local pub ideal for all and very friendly

One of my favourite places. Unpretensious friendly with a decent menu and nice beer. Soft drink recommend the Sicilian lemonade as no Ghost Ship available. Beer garden with benches and tables.

Lovely veggie roast. Great service. Really friendly atmosphere. Everything you want from a village pub

Wonderful pub. Good beers, delicious food (very reasonably priced; the luxurious fish pie lived up to it's name! ) and the staff were lovely. I would love this place to be my local. Basically, go out of your way to visit. We'll be back for sure

Really nice food and lovely staff

The Punch Bowl is a lovely community owned pub. The atmosphere is very friendly, and the staff are great. The food is tasty and the buffet style Spice Night is well worth it

Very accommodating Great food great service

This was my first time in the Punch Bowl - met with warm a greeting on arrival, a busy pub with character. There was a fantastic selection of beers - the Mauldon's Ploughmans was a great session beer. We ate in the pub and was impressed with the quality of food - pub grub that was carefully thought out, executed and well presented. I spoke with the manger, Paul, after the meal and it was clear that he lives and breathes this pub, which is owned and run by the community - he is a real asset to the Punch Bowl and the only shame is that this place is not in our village!

Lovely food , drinks & atmosphere. Very friendly staff

Great pizza s. Good beer Great company Superb😀😀😀😀😀😀

This lovely clean friendly community pub is the best we have been too. Everyone chatted to you and was so friendly. We had a drink 3 nights in a row and on our final day ate in the restaurant. We both had the fish and chips from the menu and the portions were enormous and the taste delicious. A great find from our stay in Wattisham and highly recommended.

I had a group meal at the Puch Bowl which was really good. We had to ask in advance for a vegan option for me but they had no issue fulfilling the request and when I got there it had been properly thought about and was of very good quality with lots of flavour. I had a 3 course meal and was very full by the end of it.

My favourite pub! We moved local last year and have fallen in love with the place. Such friendly people, cute, cosy with beautiful lighting. Fire is always on when it’s cold outside. Good prices for drinks and sensational food. Not surprised it’s been voted in the top ten Suffolk pubs! The dart board, board games and books also makes it a great place to hang out in.Highly recommend

Great food, great portions, friendly and tentative staff, lovely family enviroment, loads of choices of food from starters to dessert. A lovely place to eat, drink whether you're just a friendly drinker of ales around the very social bar area or are there for a family meal, this is a lovely place!

Family visit with for Sunday lunch. Great ales, well kept. Good choice of wines for easy drinking and dining.Good choice of starters, make sure your eyes aren't bigger than your tummy though! The main courses? Delicious and plentiful. Roast (we had lamb and beef) and the salmon en-croute... tasty, well cooked and presented and good value.Deserts, I didn't manage one but my family did. Chocolate and cheesecake heaven.One suggestion... a cheese board.Short staffed but still good service as well.

We have eaten at The Punchbowl several times and it never fails to disappoint. From the moment your walk through the door you are greeted with a very friendly and warm welcome from not only the staff but the locals aswell, making you feel right at home. There is a large selection of drinks to choose from, including soft drinks. The menu has something for everyone and all meals are homemade, high quality and served hot! The Sunday roast which we had yesterday was absolutely delicious. The roast beef was tender and cooked to perfection. We forgot to ask for one of the roasts to have just Cauliflower and not Cauliflower cheese but this was not a problem and the manager Paul changed this immediately with no trouble whatsoever. The deserts again were amazing! We decided to sit in the bar area instead of the restaurant which we really enjoyed and it had a buzzing atmosphere. Throughout our meal and time at the Punchbowl the staff were extremely helpful, kind and definitely put their customers needs first. We highly recommend this pub for both drinks and food. A family and dog friendly venue which we can't recommend enough and shall most definitely be returning too! One to visit if you have not been before.

I called prior to check they were cooking and was told that had 3 large parties in 12,1 & 2 so be prepared to wait for food. I explained it would be over an hour walk so Paul suggested to come in for 1.30. We arrived just before 1.30 the pub was very busy and asked when a table becomes available we would like to eat. To be told quite bluntly no as too busy with other diners. So we just had a few drinks. This is not the first time this has happened but because the food is so great we go back and to support the local pub. But it would be very off putting for new visitors and they may not return. Not sure if we will be returning this time. Just think the Bowl needs to be careful and maybe a little more accommodating in future.

We went for Sunday lunch on the 24th November 19, the meal was good. Portions were fine, not too little and not ‘plate overload’. The cheesecake desert was spoilt by a thick biscuits layer which was too hard and heavy. We ate the top bit and left the rest. But, and it’s a big butt and enough to stop us going back. The music was mostly heavy rock themed, too loud, too angry and not at all relaxing for a family birthday treat. The dining room was cold as well. These 2 things really spoilt our enjoyment of the afternoon. I like some 80’s stuff but the consistent banging rhythm was so annoying. The staff didn’t seem to mind, they were mostly young people. Even though it wasn’t that busy the young lady was Reasonably attentive, but took ages to take our order. I don’t like leaving negative reviews but nowadays it’s such a treat to eat out, these things however small, really matter. So my advise to you would be to turn the music down, the heating up, and some nice relaxing Sunday afternoon tunes wouldn’t go amiss. Thanks

Another excellent meal at the Punchbowl. We booked for lunch on Sunday. There is a fixed price menu for lunch depending on how many courses you choose. We all opted for two courses for £14.50. We didn't have starters instead we had a main course and dessert. 3 had roast beef and 1 had lamb all served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower cheese. Lovely onion gravy served separately. Beautifully presented and delicious. We then managed desserts which again were really good. 2 x sticky toffee pudding, 1 x chocolate and peanut stack and 1 x ice cream. We all enjoyed coffees. Good atmosphere, buzzy, and perfect service.

We arrived late due to traffic issues in Ipswich ie half the town shut off for a the fun run. I was expecting a limited menu, but the starter selection was exceptionally poor. Only whitebait or camembert, this isnt good if you dont like fish and have an allergy to cheese.This did let the meal down a tad (would have been 5 stars as before), but to be fair we had a lovely meal - Broccoli mind you was under cooked and the knife couldnt cut through it, but I persisted, the rest gave up. Cauliflower cheese was probably one of the nicest ive ever had. My wellington was lush, everyone's beef and lamb was lovely.All in all we all had a lovely chilled out time and nice meal. Service was great, staff friendly. Would I recommend here? Most definitely, great place.

went a few weeks ago, and chose from the small but perfectly good enough lunch menu. i had steak baguette with chips. as the steak was a minute steak, i was surprised how tender it was and the chips weren't dry in the middle as some can be.the waiter was good fun and told us then chef was french which made me think, wow i would like to come again in the evening to try something from that menu.

Great place for a meal or just a couple of pints, very tasty food, amazing selection of beers on offer and the staff are lovely, definitely recommend!

I cannot recommend this pub highly enough. The menu is not extensive, but caters for a wide range of tastes. The food is delicious and the staff are friendly and professional. Take a trip just out of Stowmarket for first class food in convivial surroundings. There is a lovely beer garden, a wide selections of drinks behind the bar and a warm welcome to be had. As a community pub, this one excels.

A last minute decision to dine out with friends led us to the Punch Bowl at Battisford. We hadn’t booked a table, but we were welcomed, by extremely friendly staff, and the food was of an exceptional quality. It’s a community pub that is obviously making great strides towards being a venue that will attract more and more customers.

Cannot fault this fantastic pub. The restaurant is perfection, I haven’t eaten better food in some of the best restaurants in London. Not pub grub, just great food at a good price. Lovely people, brilliant service. Wish I lived n x6 door!

Our first visit to this marvelous community-run pub will certainly not be our last. Great atmosphere, nice food and good value. This place ticks all the boxes!

Visited this lovely country pub early on Saturday evening. We were given a warm welcome by staff. We hadn't booked a table but as it was early we managed to get a table but probably best to book if your visiting at a weekend. We ordered fish and chips and battered haloumi. Both were beautifully cooked and presented. The menu has a good choice and looking and what other diners had ordered and enjoyed everyone seemed happy. Southwold beer was well kept and good. Our next visit we'll make sure to try a dessert. Do try to visit this lovely country pub you won't be disappointed.

My partner and I had an impromptu mid week meal, we were greeted warmly by the manager and sat at a table in the window. We both ordered the Mushroom Wellington and both agreed it was the most delicious one we have ever had, the mushroom sauce was quite divine, I look forward to trying the Veggie roast this Sunday!

Charming rural pub, with friendly staff and a great ambience. Our food was prepared with care and excellent all round, ample portions, and good value. Highly recommended, we will be returning...

I came with a big group for a hen party lunch and Paul and his team were beyond helpful.

We have visited before so we had a view that the food and experience was going to be nice! Unfortunately on this occasion we were disappointed.

Not a massive menu, but they have some very nice things to choose from.

Went today with our dog and had a superb lunch, beef and pork both cooked to perfection with service to match. Well Don

Excellent Service, excellent food and even had a bottle of bubbles to celebrate our Engagement. Lovely atmospheric pub!

Really good chef and waiting staff. Food always above the normal pub standard and very reasonable pricing, highly recommended.

High recommend. Fabulous food. Warm welcome. Beautiful country venue for a cosy meal for two or a group of friends/family. Great value. Give it a try - you will not be disappointed

We had a nice lunch. Sausage and mash all round. The staff and customers were really welcoming . It is a community pub and has lots going on judging by the notices. We wished we lived closer the menu for Valentine's Day sounds delicious. Well done!

We had dinner at the Punch Bowl on Saturday night to celebrate my 50th birthday and were blown away by the excellent food (even with the chef being on holiday!) and outstanding service from the manager and staff.

We walked into this pub for the first time ever today and were blown away by the hospitality. The staff were so friendly and welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. It's a beautiful pub with so much character. Then the food came.. wow!! The starters melted in our mouths! Absolutely delicious!! Then the roast.. the meat was pure quality. The gravy was michelin star quality and I have eaten in some top restaurants. The deserts were perfect. Basically everything about the food was perfection! I never write reviews but this pub blew all 7 of us away (2 children included) that I just had to tell other people. You will not be disappointed if you visit here. Any negative review must be from when the last owners were there regarding food, because the new owners have come in and made this place outstanding. Food to have your mouth watering!! Thank you so much for an enjoyable 5 star experience. Food shown in pics was without gravy. Gravy was served in a separate boat in plentiful!

Tried this pub for a lunch and was pleasantly surprised. The dinner menu doubles up as the lunch menu and offers a variety for all tastes. My husband had the fish and chips and I had the battered haloumi, both of which were very generous portions and delicious. It wasn't very busy on a Thursday lunchtime but I can imagine that there is quite an atmosphere in the evenings sitting beside the wood/stove fires.

The service and attentiveness of the manager was first class and we were really impressed by his friendly manner and willingness to please. The French chef is obviously a real bonus to the establishment and the quality of the food was brilliant. We particularly liked the French Onion Soup starter and the main courses were varied and superbly presented. Two of the four had the pork tenderloin, with black pudding and bacon, with potato and veg, one had deep fried battered halloumi and chips, the fourth having the duck. The standard of the pale beer was totally my thing and three pints disappeared far too quickly. Overall a great experience and if replicated, they can only but attract large numbers.

Warm, cosy cottage pub. Waiter was lovely, as was the food. Very enjoyable. Will be sure to return. Highly recommended.

nice staff, nice atmosphere, fantastic food, travelled from essex, we just dont get such nice food in essex..

Myself and 20 or so of my closest friends were staying at the amazing Ringshall Grange nearby and came tot he Punchbowl for Saturday lunch, having called in advance to ensure we could be accommodated. We ordered the food in advance and everything was as fresh and delicious as we could have hoped for! French Onion soup; steak; fish chips - all as good as you will find in any gastro pub. Staff were fantastic and made us feel really welcome despite the inherent difficulties of such a big party. Will definitely be back!!!

I was really pleased to find that the new chef at the Punch Bowl was able to produce a fabulous Sunday Roast.The waitress was exceptionally good and pleasant to talk to. It was a beautiful sunny Autumn day and we walked along the road to the pub on the way there and then across the fields on the way back. A great way to spend a Sunday.

Had a lovely lunch which was cooked to perfection. It took time to arrive, but good food does. The staff was very attentive to our needs, but we never felt hassled or hurried. The portions were big, but apparently this is normal in Suffolk.

Our first time at this establishment with friends and what a pleasant surprise! Efficient polite staff and a nice menu for a community public house.

Very pleasant staff and food was very nice . Very welcoming but sadly service let it down badly . Table booked for 7.30 and arrived at about 7.25 .Were asked to wait in the bar till table was ready as they were trying to juggle them and keep things flowing ?? We had a drink and looked at the menu. Got to table at around 7.45 then to be told that there was only one of our starters available . Got our starter at 8.30? Our main course at 9? There were only 3 other tables being served so hardly busy! Only appeared to be one waitress. The bar area was absolutely rammed full of people and it appeared that it is more of a drinking pub of villagers . Not a problem but really they need to sort out some staff!

We spent a lovely evening here, never haxxeled

It is about a year since I last visited and what an improvement. Went for Sunday lunch (jazz band first Sun of month) and it was so good. All party had roast beef. Great meal with assortment of vegetables and very tasty gravy. Desserts were fabulous. Will certainly be visiting again soon

Sparkling glasses and fresh flowers in the restaurant makes it feel a bit special and it doesn't disappoint. A menu which you would go back for time and again and very good value. Such a relaxing place with the beams and fireplaces. Top marks for food but also there is the bar area for drinks before and after. Well done the Punchbowl very glad to have you near.

Looked on Trip Advisor for eateries around this area, and so pleased we chose this one. As a family of 6 including a 3 year old and a 2 week old baby, it was a great experience from start to finish. Lovely, friendly welcome and fantastic service throughout. We had lunch there, but had dinner menu. The food was absolutely delicious! I can honestly say, this was the best plate of food I have tasted in a very long time. Attention to detail was remarkable and I could not praise it enough. We will definitely be eating there again and telling all our friends. Thank you once again!

This is a lovely, friendly country pub with a good selection of beers available. I think that it is a community pub, which if it is, then the community are to be congratulated for saving this wonderful place from closure. I would certainly be happy to re-visit this pub again.

My friend and I enjoyed a beautiful meal here last night. Fantastic service and well cooked tasty food. It’s much more than typical pub grub and well worth a visit. Thank you Punch bowl :)

Such an amazing surprise to chance across this place. New chef in situ, up from London, and wow can you tell! Two course pub roast with a difference - the most succulent beef, delicious roasties, fresh and seasonal local veg and the GRAVY! Best gravy I’ve had out of Yorkshire. My advice would be get here before they realise how little they’re charging for such excellent food.

Lovely evening meal, well presented and excellent value for money. Service friendly and attentative. First night for new chef Lee - we will be back

A lovely warm welcoming atmosphere. Great food and service. Good selection of beers. Very friendly. Definitely be back. Highly recommended

An amazing find while we were staying nearby. Very warm welcome, good beer and excellent food all at an affordable price. You won’t regret visiting.

This is a community run pub with friendly and helpful staff a menu with something for everyone at reasonable prices it's good to see a village pub thriving well done all at the punchbowl see you soon

During the storm the beast from the east we had dinner in the pub. Pub was busy serving food which was lovely and hot. Great atmosphere with plenty of people eating as well as eating. Can't wait to go back for dinner again.