Shelley's in Ipswich

You would never know you were in a College once you step into Chefs Whites. It's modern design and peaceful atmosphere makes you feel you are in an upscale restaurant somewhere. We visited fir lunch for our 15th wedding anniversary. The food was amazing and such value for money. The only thing I would say in criticism is that the chocolate pot was very firm, like a ganache but still tasty. Our young waiter was polite, friendly and helpful. Yes there were some slight teething problems with the bill but quickly and calmly rectified. I really can't recommend a visit here enough and we will definitely be back for one of their special evening taster menus. Can't wait!

Chef’s Whites is a rare phenomenon. Where else can you get Michelin-quality meals and impeccable service for a budget price? Katie and her team were on top form today, delivering a truly memorable experience. From the friendly welcome through to our delicious desserts and coffee, every aspect was top-notch. From our table we were able to see the dedicated kitchen crew hard at work on the TV screen, preparing hot, tasty, well presented dishes. Chef’s Whites is a training restaurant, and I’m sure the talented young people working there will go on to have amazing careers in catering.

Attended as a party of eight 4x couples, a good choice on the menu including a Xmas turkey dinner Personally I had a Soup starter, Beef Brisket and ginger bread sticky toffee pudding and ice cream There were separate plates with Roast Pots, Sprouts, Cartots and Roast Parsnips. The food was absolutely outstanding was piping hot and plenty of it. The students were all superb attentive and very professional and are a credit to the College Well done to the Chefs the food is some of the best I’ve had at the college very well done.

Another fabulous dinner, this one was a 7 course taster menu. Every course was exceptional and wouldn't be amiss in any fine dining restaurant. Truly amazing what these young people can do. Would definitely recommend.

This was the venue for the Mayor of Ipswich’s afternoon tea, and it was truly excellent. The quality and variety of cakes and sandwiches was as good as I have ever experienced - and this was by no means my first afternoon tea… The students serving us were attentive, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they were doing. Overall a great afternoon, and something for Suffolk New College to be very proud of.

Very accommodating - worked with our group's organiser to create an inclusive and bespoke menu that incorporated everyone's likes. Staff were attentive and explained each dish as they were presented at the table. A truly lovely dining experience. The drinks were pleasantly priced as well which was an added bonus.

We had an amazing evening sampling the 10 course tasting menu the food was delicious & beautifully presented. The students were very attentive and responded very quickly to any questions we had and also ensured a last minute guest addition to our booking who was a vegetarian was catered for at the last minute. Will definitely be back

This was the first time we'd tried the restaurant the Taste of Spring menu was outstanding. The atmosphere was relaxed and the service attentive. Given that this is a training restaurant the experience was as good or better than many professional restaurants. The flavour and quality of the dishes was excellent. We'll certainly be returning!

Chef Whites and Other Monkey Brewing organised a collaboration evening. A fantastic 4 course meal and Aaron from the brewers talked through different taster beers that complimented each course. The students did a great job both front of house and in the kitchen. They are all a credit to their tutors and to the college. Very well done all

I visited here for a private business event of over 80 people. The restaurant atmosphere is sophisticated and welcoming, nothing like I expected a restaurant in a college to be! The food was delicious. A well thought out set menu with some of the best belly pork I have ever tasted. I really like that you can see into the kitchens to see your food being prepared too - all the staff looked calm and collected despite over 80 covers to serve all at once! Amazing. And the value! I have paid 4 times the price for food half as good in several other restaurants in Ipswich... Chef Whites is my new favourite place to eat 😏

The restaurant was in a well designed part of the Suffolk New College, and we felt we were in an upmarket restaurant when we walked in. The food was well above average, at good prices and the staff worked hard to make sure we had everything we needed. I would definitely recommend this restaurant, and we will be back.

Visited Chefs Whites for our cousin’s birthday which co-incided with the start of their Christmas lunches. It was our first visit having seen an ad on FB in the Summer. Well, the food, ambience and staff were truly amazing, we will certainly be returning! Couldn’t fault anything! Well done Chefs Whites!

Excellent service and great food. Incredible restaurant design and the staff we wonderful. Will most certainly be going again in the future.

The restaurant is beautifully arranged with space between tables. Menu is good. Food is delicious and presented in an excellent fashion. The food and wine were served with care and attention. Our waiter was James and he checked the queries we had on the menu. The payment was a bit difficult because we were charged for things we didn't have and there seemed to be confusion. In the end it was not quite right but near enough. We would come again. Thank you for the good experience. Our friends also said that they would come again. Bob and Liz Huddlestone

Didn't know this place existed before I saw it featured on Facebook, so glad I tried it out. Very nice dining environment, comfortable chairs, well laid table, plenty of staff. The waiting staff appeared a little nervous but were attentive and very pleasant. Quite a limited menu but I could have chosen any of them, food was delicious and well presented -(only slight criticism is the plates could have been hotter)- parmesan and truffle chips were divine, as was the nduja mac'n'cheese. Unfortunately they'd run out of the dessert we wanted but actually quite glad 'cos I was too full to appreciate it. Well worth a visit, I will be going back.

What a hidden gem! We saw the Ipswich Star review and thought we would try this college training restaurant. The food was top notch, well prepared and presented. I opted for the burger which was really flavoursome along with deep fried pickle and homemade brioche...

Attended Chef’s Whites for the 5 Course meal with Guest Chef Luke Bailey who gave up 2 days of his own time to pass on his knowledge to the students and put together a fantastic menu with the level 2 Chefs and hospitality students. The...

Had their Christmas menu. Every course was excellent. The beetroot arrancini, the beef, turkey all delicious. The gingerbread sticky toffee pudding was amazing. Service was excellent. These guys are students, you wouldn't know it.

Had two course lunch as part of spa week package, food was delicious, service was friendly and professional Would recommend a visit, looking at booking my next visit

5** what a great meal! Steak night Great service and amazing food. Great prices and students did really well.

Attended as two couples for a 3 course meal for £21. Bearing in mind this is a teaching college the quality of service and food is stunning. For this standard of food you would pay much much more in a restaurant. The staff and students...

I attended a Mexican themed night last night which was the 2nd event taking place since the change in covid rules to allow dining inside. High standard of safety practice in place the waiting staff were attentive and clearly explain the T&T process in place....

Now re decorated and renamed as Chefs Whites and looking very smart too.We were served by Shania who was very efficient attentive and polite.The three course meal was superb and a credit to the College and all The Chefs who did such a good job especially as they are still learning.Well done all.....

We attended an evening meal at Shelley's. We were greeted by Izzy who looked after us the whole way through. The food was amazing, prepared and served beautifully and without waiting too long between courses. The restaurant has a lovely relaxed feel and we had...

Attended this evening with friends. The service, food and atmosphere were all excellent at a fabulous price per head too. We have visited several times for different events and have never been disappointed. Well done to you all.

Very good meal food was all very tasty , good service good food @ a good price , will book again , recommend 100%

Attended as a couple for the Hospitality Students Mock Exam. The food was fantastic superbly cooked and the students did really well, we were served by Lewis who was friendly confident and attentive but not overly so. Very pleased that we went and without doubt...

I would like to thank all the front & back of house staff for the service and food received for our party of 34 people today on behalf of Waldringfield & District Bowls Club. We will be pleased to recommend & return later on in...

As a training restaurant this is in the superb category. The venue is nicely placed in the college, clean and modern. The staff were very friendly and with just the right level of inter-activity with the diners. The food was excellent, especially the Panna Cotta,...

Excellent Christmas lunch. We have enjoyed going to Shelly's over a number of years, but the consensus seemed to be that this was their best production yet! Good varied choices on the menu all cooked to a high standard and service with a smile. All...

A great selection of food was on offer today as usual. The students were friendly, the food was good quality and cooked to perfection. Can't wait for the Christmas menu.

Quick stop for lunch had food cooked by the trainees and what can I possibly say...trainees?!? Really?! These guys are amazing cooks! And are a credit to Ipswich! Well done shelley’s! Look forward to coming here again!!!

As a first time visitor I was slightly dubious in terms of what to expect from a restaurant attached to the catering wing of the College and I genuinely couldn't have been more wrong. The food was pretty good considering it was prepared by trainee chefs and the front of house guys although clearly nervous really do provide great service. Real value for money and you can't help but feel good about supporting these young individuals who are working hard to realise their dreams. I'll definitely be back to sample the menu again and would urge anyone to give this place a go...there are certainly plenty of 'professional' eateries that could learn a thing or two from these students and how they conduct themselves...good work guys!

Attended as a group of 4, excellent choice on the menu and all cooked fresh.

Came to Shelley's this evening for some dinner with three friends, and had a lovely evening. The students (and staff) and welcoming, charming and pulled out all the stops to ensure we received good service.

You have to remember that the staff are trainees. The food is first-class, and the service too! Well worth a visit. Definite value for money.

Just back from our work's Christmas meal at Shelley's. We had an excellent meal with good service. The food was really well presented and of restaurant standard. The place was full so they did well to ensure everyone got what they had ordered at the same time. At just under £13, we couldn't have asked for more and are already thinking about returning for next year's Christmas lunch.

Work Christmas lunch, booking was easier with food pre-ordered and deposits sorted. Arrived and everyone friendly and polite. Food was lovely, main course could have been slightly warmer but fed this back tot he waitress. Overall a lovely meal and experience and reasonably priced. Will certainly return, thank you.

Visited this training restaurant for the Xmas menu. Fantastic value for money, £13 for a three course menu, and about £12 for a decent bottle of Merlot. Great food and perfect service. Well done to all the trainees , just remember it’s a training college venue and sometimes it doesn’t always go to plan. But this year it must be our fifth annual Xmas visit and it was a great occasion with polite helpful staff. Well done to all , happy Xmas.

Went with friends for Christmas lunch, very impressed with staff, greeted politely and coats taken, ordered from menu, good choices, lovely starters, smoked haddock with gruyere cheese was delicious, and friends that had parsnip and apple soup were impressed! Mains were excellent, salmons en croutes, turkey, and roast pork , all eaten with pleasure, staff gave excellent service, absolutely first class!

A very professional atmosphere with polite waiting staff and amazing food. We were greeted on a Friday to the buffet lunch which included a range of piping hot dishes to choose from.

Attended as a family group of 4 adults and one child.

Fuimos a almorzar y no me puedo quejar. Alguien vino a los ascensores para saludarnos fue un alivio ya que no soy bueno con las escaleras y los ascensores necesitaba acceso especial.

Beautiful food and very well presented with lots of choices. The staff were very professional and helpful. Overall an excellent experience for me and my friends.

Fuimos a la noche italiana. Era un menú de degustación de 6 platos, y fue mas que excelente, mejor que cualquier italiano que he visitado. El personal era muy joven cortés y atento, y el lugar tenía un ambiente grande aunque agradable, siendo vestidos para una comida italiana, también el vino era de primera clase. No puedo alabar lo suficiente

I am a little biased, as I am very familiar with the wonderful food served here.But if you are in the neighbourhood it is well worth discovering.Fantastic afternoon teas and really great dinners in term time.The granary has well priced student made cakes and patisserie to take away; but you may need to sign into reception for this service,Outstanding teachers obviously work here to nurture the Suffolk talent of tomorrow Service is highly rated too

A first visit to Shelley's, with a warm welcome from the students. The open plan kitchen with large TV screen allowed us to watch our meal being prepared.A good range of wines were available at very reasonable prices.The breads & aperitif were good.The Cheese Soufflé was light & fluffy. Rump of Lamb & Duck Breast cooked to perfection. Spoilt for choice on desserts, the students recommended Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Pie and Panna Cotta, both were delicious, followed by coffee & petit fours.The portions were more than ample, with first class service & excellent value from the students. Well done all concerned, need to advertise & get the restaurant full!

Visited on afternoon of Thursday May 19th cooked and presented by year 3 students including our granddaughter Chloe All food was excellently prepared and presented and was enjoyed by all of our party Well done ladies and good luck with your exam results

What can I say but beautifully presented tea by such talented polite students, the college should be very proud, not only did the students create the menu but also ran the kitchen listening and instructing other students on how to achieve this most flavourable skilled menu showing many skills. It was also very good value for money and would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a taste of upcoming chefs of the future. WELL DONE..

Went to a cookery challenge evening. This is a beautifully presented, sparkling clean venue You can watch trainees from the TV in the restaurant. We were split into groups and shown how to cook selection of meals. It was great fun and informative as well as fun. The food was delicious, this should be used by more people as it services include lunch, afternoon tea, evening dining, organised events such as pudding evening and cookery challenge and can be hired

A lovely welcome from the young students, and a truly delicious and beautifully presented lunch. My main course fish was wonderful, and plentiful, as well as very tasty! Attention to detail by the students was first class. Thank you for a delightful lunch experience.

We have visited many schools of catering in the past and finally had the opportunity to visit Shelleys. As this is a catering school we understand that our level of expectation should be lowered and we have always tried hard to do this. The staff were a delight as expected from these schools, eager to please and certainly efficient. Unfortunately the food was not as we expected. My main was rare beef medallions which was served to me cold, my husbands main was Guinea fowl but as a chef himself, unless this was a Guinea fowl on a course of steroids, there was no way he was served Guinea fowl. It was chicken with very little sauce, which you would expect from a pot roast. My dessert of Creme brûlée was a runny mess and hubby cheese board was terrible. The cheese was old and the biscuits stale. We completely understand the concept of training however I am surprised by the lack of supervision in the kitchen. level level three students still need supervision and this was clearly not as it should be. We will try again at this point but the jury is out as to whether this is up to what a proper service should be.

Food is great and you certainly get plenty of it. Price is amazing. Students serve and cook the food, it is lovely to see them getting first hand experience. Will certainly visit again

We visited Shelley's in the evening. At present its only open in the evenings on Wednesday and Thursday (and then only in term time as its part of Suffolk New College). For an evening meal you should book.The food was excellent - including the vegetarian choices. I have only given an overall 4 star rating as the atmosphere is a little lacking as you are in a college. They have a good value wine list etc. Food is good value too (you get small canapes and petit fours coffee/ tea included with the dinner, and they were good)Best thing to do is have a look at their website - menus are shown there. Also the first Tripadvisor review for Shelleys gives a lot of relevant information. As its a college, they need everyone out by about 9.30pm, so its not a late night destination.I suggest you give it a go.

What a fun luncheon four of us had here recently. It was good to see the students concentrating so hard on getting things "just so". The value is remarkable: the food very well presented and the service quietly efficient. It makes such a pleasant change from some of the pretentious establishments in the town. As a previous reviewer has already said, it knocks spots off The Cookhouse at Suffolk Food Hall. Keep it up kids, and enjoy your course (we certainly enjoyed our three courses!). We shall return. Next time we will know our way around - it was a bit tricky the first time.

food was average and teh second time i went was very quite and service was ok... this is better than the rubbish that was at the cookhouse !

Visited yesterday and really did enjoy the food. The staff were lovely friendly and very helpful. They really wanted to please. Some seemed a little nervous as they are all training but what they lacked in experience they made up for in friendliness, politeness and a willingness to please. A choice of 4 starters, mains and deserts incl. a vegetarian option. Drinks were also reasonably priced with wine from £8.95 a bottle.I would definitely return. It's an opportunity to try nice cooked food at a fraction of the cost of an upmarket restaurant.Also they have a TV screen so you can see them work in the kitchen.Well worth a visit

My husband and I recently lunched at Shelley's with friends. It took us a while to figure out how to get in (!) - more (and larger) direction signs would be helpful. The restaurant itself is very attractive, the welcome is friendly, and the seating is comfortable. The menu doesn't offer a massive choice, but what's on offer is well thought out and varied; there's something for every taste. Also, it's fun being able to watch the meals being prepared in the kitchen, on screen in the restaurant. The food couldn't be faulted, everything was prettily presented, beautifully cooked and delicious. The whole meal was a joy, topped off by the fact that we could enjoy a bottle of perfectly good Merlot to accompany it, for under a tenner! That's another huge bonus of course, the fact that the prices are so reasonable. Well done and thank you to all the students, whatever role you were playing, be it waiting staff or creative cooks. We'll certainly be back and I would recommend Shelley's to everyone.

My friend use to to to the college so we thought we would give Shelleys a try. Its a bit of a pain if u dont go to the college u have to go through the security barrier but she knew where to go after that its on the top floor and the staff (students) are really good they took our coats and hung them up and theres a TV so u can watch them in the kitchen. our meals were so delicious and so nicely presented. Thank u for a lovely time. Soph xxx

Shelley's is a "training" restaurant within Suffolk New College, where young chefs and trainee restaurant staff learn the ropes. I've dined there on a number of occasions and never been disappointed. Look forward to a genuine "fine dining" experience where every dish is of a high standard, beautifully presented and served by cheerful and helpful young apprentices. Prices are at the lower end of the scale, yet the ambience is everything you'd expect at a very classy restaurant. It's not the easiest place to find, but there is a car park in Rope Walk, free after 6pm, and just head through the main college entrance - Shelley's is on the first floor, and well worth your time in checking it out.