The Arboretum in Ipswich

Good selection of ale, lovely small plates, and decent price considering it's location. Great music! Great atmosphere!

Have no idea why anyone has said about a bad smell. This is a unique quirky cocktail bar, served by excellent cocktail staff in an unconventional setting that has no smell whatsoever. Enjoy and embrace a truly different experience that will leave you excited to return!

Wonderful, quirky, atmospheric, theatrical with stunningly creative cocktails. Others have mentioned a smell but the only one we experienced was a heady mix of nostalgia and incense that enhanced everything. I can see that it may not be somewhere that suits everyone...but then the same could be said for Spoon's...which doesn't suit me 😊

Very exciting place and cocktails are mysterious!!!

We come here every time we visit Norwich. Greg is such a great dude. The team that work there are also amazing. Massive thanks to the team yesterday and Ashleigh for some lovely insightful conversations. Also, drinks are obviously incredible. Almost makes you wish for a nucular winter 😉

Quirky and cozy cocktail space. Great value for money, super tasty drinks and friendly staff. A Norwich highlight for the intrepid drinker!

We came here as part of the guided weird history tour of Norwich and it was brilliant. Really different. No set menu for drinks. You tell them the sort of the thing you like and they make it. I had a mocktail and it was delicious. Loved the decor and everything in there was for Sale. Great hosts too. 😄

Awesome quirky little space for tailored to you, surprise drinks! Tell them what you like and they will mix up a special drink for you. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Highly recommend!!

Genuinely the best service and cocktails It’s quirky, doggy and not for everyone but we loved it

I still not find my way home after lemon cursed. I need to go back to take another one. Maybe you gonna find me ? Lol

First visit here with friends . Friday evening and bar was busy with a great atmosphere. Had food and sat in garden. Food was amazing and we enjoyed lamb burger, lasagne, calamari. Home made chips were gorgeous. Never knew this place existed but will visit again. Friendly and efficient staff.

Delicious drinks, really good service and all-round vibe. A must visit.

A local pub which has had extensive renovation to create a warm, welcoming and modern eat and drink destination. The food was basic pub-grub but well cooked and well presented and arrived piping hot. Perfect. Lovely choice of local real ales.

Really amazing staff, cocktails, atmosphere and concept although the past two times we sat outside. This time we sat indoors and it really smelt bad. The smell put everyone in our group off they need some ventilation or lots of scented candles. This really puts me off coming again if the outsides not open.

Such an awesome little experience. Knock on the ominous black door and wait to be let in. We managed to get in just a few mins before last orders were being called. There is no menu, drinks are made entirely on what sorts of drinks you like (sweet, fruity, spicy, warm, citrus etc) Even if you pick the same option as a friend you both get different drinks. The place is full of little Knick-knacks which are all for sale as well. See a frame you like? Just ask! Overall a really great experience and the cocktails were amazing. 10/10

Went for lunch and was bowled over with how good the food was. It looks a little shoddy from outside but the inside is warm and cosy. Amazing choice of beers/craft ales. The menu and specials board had lots of choices. We chose a starter to share, bao buns, scotch egg & fried halloumi which were absolutely delicious. Our eyes were bigger than our bellies and we had a main of Korean chicken ciabatta with chips. Again cooked very well, lots of flavour and fabulous chips. I was impressed with the quality Stokes sauces available. We left full of ale and food and will definitely be back!

I loved this place ❤️, it's like stepping back in time to a Sherlock Holmes adventure!!! It's full of antique and extremely quirky objects, which I believe are also for sale. The drinks are prepared by the owner to your personal taste. You really need to experience this yourself, I shall definitely return next time I'm in the city.

A curious place indeed! Stands out as being uniquely different. It’s definitely worth a visit if only the once. The less said the greater the experience, good or bad. On a personal note, I found the overall experience rather fun but. . . . it really does smell awful! There’s a very pungent smell in the air (not the incense)! Inside the pub and in the loo! It made me feel quite uncomfortable. If this wasn’t the case I’d definitely revisit.

Absolutely love this place. Craig is an amazing host and the world needs more places like this. Eccentric, Victoriana filled cocktail bar. Be prepared for low lighting, excellent home made off menu cocktails, NO BEER you philistines! The heavy scent of wonderful incense and a totally unique experience.

Popped in for a coffee, read the menu and saw some of the food being served. Ordered some food and it was of exceptional quality and value. Stayed for three hours. Loads of Gluten Free options, definitely worth a visit. 👍🏼

I recently visited this exquisite British cocktail bar, and it was a delightful experience! The ambiance took me back in time with its authentic Victorian decor and the classic charm of an old pub. The cocktails were nothing short of spectacular, each one crafted to perfection with a unique twist. The bartenders were knowledgeable and passionate, adding to the overall authentic feel of the place. It’s not just a bar, but a journey into a bygone era. Highly recommended for anyone looking to savor the true essence of a classic British cocktail experience!

What an absolutely incredible place! The staff, the atmosphere and the decor, just wow!! If you love all things vintage and bespoke made cocktails then you have to visit this place! Look for the lamp with the candle 😉😉 you won't be disappointed! Can't wait to come back again 😊😊

Went as a table of 9, adults and children. Were very well looked after, great friendly staff, food was delicious- burgers all round, although there was a good selection of pub classics.Cocktails were very good, good selection of beer too. Our first visit and would really recommend. We all had a great meal and will definitely return. I would recommend to book.

Just visited this bar/restaurant fir our teams Christmas meal. Food was perfection and plentiful. This is by far the best Christmas meal I have ever had so much so I am hoping we go back next year. Keep up the goid work to all the staff there.

Went for a quiet drink after work and found a charming and quaint establishment with a truly unique atmosphere and an enthusiastic, attentive owner crafting bespoke cocktails for a more than reasonable price. An amazing cocktail bar. ( plus adorable dogs x)

Wanted so badly to love this place, staff were absolutely wonderful but I really found it difficult to get past the smell as others have mentioned.

Great find! Needed somewhere for a family dinner, also dog friendly with treats! Lovely food scampi, kofta burger and the butternut risotto, lovely friendly service and not too busy, 5* thanks!

Awesome location, drinks, service and ambience all around. Went in not knowing what to expect and couldn’t have been more impressed with the atmosphere or the hosts insightful drink recommendations. Really made it feel like they cared that you were there and wanted to make it a great experience.

Interesting bar with very welcoming staff. The cocktails were nice and there was a nice atmosphere in the place. The only issue, as many others have mentioned, is the overwhelming smell of dogs and stale urine. It was overpowering as we walked in the door so we sat in the outside area. This just made it worse though, as the smell of the dogs was mixed with a strong smell of urine.

Really great quirky atmosphere and a pretty unique experience for Norwich, absolutely amazing friendly staff and the bartender did so great at catering drinks to taste

Okay, I'm going to try to be objective. Wasn't interested in the Victoriana schtick but at least they're not just another anonymous bar. First impression was the disgusting smell (as mentioned by others reviews I have subsequently read). It's like being hit by a wall of putrid cheese. I should have left then but didn't. I was escorted to the rear garden, passing three large dogs which may well have been contributing to the smell. A friendly, bordering on obsequious chap asked me what style of drink I'd like so they could craft my bespoke cocktail. I said I liked short, bitter drinks: negronis, martinis - that sort of thing. What appeared was a sweet raspberry and rhubarb something-or-other, baring no resemblance to my request. I bolted it down as the smell was pervasive, even outside, before going to pay. I couldn't help but notice a load of jars of coloured liquids behind the bar, presumably the bases for these "bespoke" cocktails. This is not proper mixology, and while I admire these guys for trying to do something different, the whole experience was a bit unpleasant. Best of luck to them but I won't be back.

I have literally never left a review in my life. However this place is so spectacular i just had to. Me and My partner enjoyed the nicest cocktails i think we have ever had in our life. each one was so different to the next and just blew our minds. We got to try such a range and it was honestly such a lovely night. The owner was exceptionally hospitable and made for such a lovely evening. thank you so much guys for having us! if your ever in norwich you HAVE to swing by

Love coming here! So relaxed and the drinks are always perfect!

Often come here before football and each time the food is of a very good standard even though it is busy. Additionally, the prices are very good. Today I had the chickpea burger and it was fantastic. Top service, food and drink.

Definitely a place for the curious, who want that extra atmosphere and entertainment whilst having a cocktail made specifically to what you're ready to taste at that moment. I could not recommend this place enough to those curious enough to find it. Thank you for an amazing experience

What an incredible experience. I've not had a single issue unlike all the other reviews stated on here. The smell of dogs was heartwarming to me, the cocktails were second to none and I thank Gregory for such an excellent service and hands on experience for what we had tonight. There was no other place where the cocktails came close to this and we were out all day in Norwich drinking cocktails. The antiques throughout the arboretum were explained in such thorough detail all with great history and background and I wish we could've stayed longer. Its definitely not for everyone, but even in the hot weather I did not encounter the issues others did with the smell.

My first visit and maybe the last :( Cocktails, service, staff and dogs were all fantastic, but, the SMELL. It was really bad, we sat near the front door and the joss sticks just weren’t masking it. It wasn’t a doggy smell (that wouldn’t have bothered me) the only way I could describe it is deathly, mixed in with farmyard manure.

So, I have to start off by saying how lovely the staff were. They were really kind people who got your drinks quickly and take real care of you. I kinda loved that it's a hidden bar without any signs out the front too, which made it feel unique. But, holy moly, THE SMELLLL. It's so off-putting. If you have a weak stomach, make sure you sit outside, as even then it's still quite pungent (you can actually smell it from the street as you walk past). Genuinely, this could be such a nice local bar in the city, but you HAVE to sort the smell out. I'm not sure if it's a wet dog, drains, damp, or some of the antiques (maybe all combined), but I urge you to fix this, as it'll be the death of you! Pls, pls, pls take the feedback on board, as I would love to come back again, but atm I just cannot recommend this place!

Best roast I’ve ever had out. Soo tasty. The portion size is massive with lots of variety of perfectly cooked vegetables. Had the brownie afterwards which was also really nice. The service was fab and the waiter was friendly. There’s also a nice beer garden. Will definitely recommend this place to friends and family.

When you step through the door of Arboretum you step back in time, to a world cluttered with curiosity rather than life. Come in, find a chair and relax is the message, and relax you do. The speciality of Arboretum is bespoke cocktails, you say what you like and a cocktail is created, we had a Picadilly and a stroll styled cocktails and they were fab. You are at the whim of the master behind the bar as to his interpretation of your likes but it's good to have the unexpected! Oh, and everything in the place is for sale, i liked my goblet so much i bought it, not just a drinking vessel but also a memory of a fab evening.

Fantastic place for company, drink and atmosphere. Our host and drinks maker were very welcoming and friendly. The cocktail were brilliant and super tasty. This is my kind of place and the other guests / customers were great company.

We walked across the city to try this place as I was visiting from London. Arrived at 9 30pm (web says it closes at 10pm) and the door was locked. No sign outside, no explanation; people were inside and live music was playing. No door staff. Complete waste of time and effort, will come back when I can to give them another chance.

Would like to say a massive thank you to the Arbour house for helping me host my boyfriends birthday! We had around 50 people attend and They were so flexible when making arrangements and the timings. The buffet food was amazing! And all guests were commenting on how delicious it was and really much better than your standard finger buffet. All the staff were so friendly and Morgan who I liaised with regarding arrangements was so helpful. Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to host a casual, relaxed event in the future!

Weird place, doesn’t even exist!

The first night of the new resident magician called David Whitney, and he was brilliant! Performed a trick that I hadn't seen before and left me amazed, and the same seemed to go for all the other patrons. On top of this, he was very chatty and an all round nice guy!

Amazing pub come museum, fantastic cocktails

Stunning place, really quirky and unique experience. The cocktails were excellent and the staff were extremely polite, they epitomised the whole experience.

Staff are very friendly, drinks are excellent.

This is the BEST place - just go! The place, the staff, the drinks are all amazing - the dogs are an added bonus.

Amazing place. Would recommend anyone to come here and enjoy the experience

The best newly discovered place I've been to in years! None of my group had been before and had been recommended it, but didn't know too much about it. Once we arrived the light was on, hurray! A few minutes wait for a table and we were in, it's like no-where I've been before. So much to look at, all candlelight which creates a relaxed atmosphere. The staff are amazing, bespoke drinks were beautifully presented and delicious each time! I don't want to say too much because I loved the mystery of having no idea what was on the other side of the door and it doesn't disappoint. Excited to bring others and see the amazement on their faces.

amazing place , cocktails banging, feels like youre back in time. 4 quality lush hounds next to the bar, lovely allround, add to the experience.

A lovel amazingly special little place, the dogs make the place as special as it is.

It's £9 for a cocktail, and worth every penny.

By far the best place in the city for cocktails! The atmosphere and staff are amazing! The place has incredibly interesting decor, its super cosy and best of all, there are 4 amazingly chilled dogs who sleep on the sofa while everyone enjoys their evening. I would happily visit every day just to see the dogs. If you are a dog lover, this is the place to be. I wish every bar was like this one!

Lovely little quant bar practically hidden from view.

Great cocktails and great theme. But please get rid of the wet smelly dogs that stink the place up!

This little place has a great feel, friendly staff and tasty cocktails. Unfortunately, the extreme smell of wet dogs ruined our experience from the moment we walked in - which was very off-putting and hindered our experience. If this issue can be addressed, this small gem would be a staple of a visit if you're after a cocktail in Norwich - but, until then, I'm staying clear.

Another place, another world. A rare gem where once you are inside and once you have a good drink or two or three inside you - you can leave the vile outside world behind you and forget about time and forget about place and forget about babylon and enjoy your drink

We love The Arbor House. Good food and atmosphere. Unfortunately, the guy behind the bar was cocky, rude and obnoxious and not very kind to his co-worker on the night. I suggest a bit of humility is needed going forward.

The most curious,odd, amazing place I think I have ever been. I felt like I was in a pub in the blitz with its blacked out windows. And miss match furniture. And with only candle light to see. It generated the most relaxed atmosphere. The cocktails were another level. Staff were amazing truly I wonderful experience... Well done 👍

Arboretum make some amazing cocktails. I asked for something sour and was presented with a cherry whisky sour, it was absolutely divine! My sister asked for something green and was given a refreshing cocktail that was equally delicious. The interior is super cosy and welcoming and the staff were great. Excited to return when I next visit norwich!

Wasn't open despite saying it was in Google.

Amazing! Loved the décor and atmosphere. The cocktails were all delicious too!

Great cocktails and fantastic concept plus friendly service but why does it smell so disgustingly of wet dog? Your incense isn’t working and it’s really off putting.

Atmosphere, decor, theme, even the authentic smells of yesteryear (dog), all fantastic. Very immersive. But let down by the cocktails, and the serving staff were a bit clueless (yet lovely!). They’ve been given a script, and clever things to say when the drinks come out, but if you ask a question back they’re blank, they don’t know what they’ve just said. Case in point I heard a neighbouring table being given a Gin and Tonic and told ‘it’s how it would be originally served, gin and quinine’, when pressed the server didn’t understand what quinine was, what it’s link to tonic is, if it was real quinine or a home made tonic. Our server told us they don’t serve bourbon, not being British (great- on theme), another blithely took a bourbon order from the table nearby. They want to serve you a bespoke cocktail but on their terms- choose a spirit and style but don’t be too specific. To a certain extent I can understand this, they’re working to an £8 per cocktail price point, but it shows. Everything was bluntly sweet, bluntly sour, or heavy with tonic, and there was a lot of fruit involved. A lot of pineapple leaves. I would love if they offered a short menu of classic cocktails from the era’s they’re referencing at a higher price in addition, a great martini, a gimlet? It’s so close to being great.

The food is incredible every time and very consistent, would one hundred percent recommend this pub to anyone. However, one of the male bar staff with a ponytail is the least helpful and unenthusiastic person I have ever come across. When asking what a certain lager is like he replied with 'its just a lager' or something along those lines. The same bar staff member is also extremely rude when it comes to closing time, whereby you are grumpily kicked out of the pub (half an hour before the listed closing time) as the bar staff clearly wanted an early finish!

Gregory saw the article in the paper, wanted to drop an email I was in the Ivy with my husband and 92 Yr old mother in law on Monday and you very kindly bought us all a drink, my mother in law was saying what a lovely young man that was, thank you for making her day, we will have to bring her along for cocktails many thanks Brian

Excellent perveyors of bespoke beverages. I have always trusted in the mixology skills of the bar and never been disappointed. The atmosphere is cozy, welcoming and unique. With a team that is always reinforces the relaxed atmosphere.

My friend and i ate here tonight for the first time and were highly impressed with the meal it was the best meal i have eaten anywhere in years and i eat out alot, the service from the staff was beyond our expectations Jay in particular went above and beyond to ensure we had all the required information to choose the correct meal for us, will definately be returning soon.

Really cool concept — I guess it has a prohibition theme with the boarded up front, which gives it a cool 'secret club' vibe — and the staff are lovely, feeling more like hosts than bar staff which was cosy with the vintage armchairs. Ordering drinks was fun and conversational — you give them a 'brief' and they make you a bespoke cocktail trying to meet it, with your choice of base and style — there is no menu or guide of price but for reference they worked out at just under a tenner a drink. I was really excited to find a 'secret' venue to take friends from out of town when they visit, and was also looking forward to poking around the antiques — it's mainly junk like smashed photo frames and stripped furniture, occasionally punctuated with interesting brass trinkets, old medical instruments, or porcelain stuff from out your nans house. There was some cool spooky taxidermy stuff but the overall vibe was more 'themed escape room' than 'antique store'. What ruined it for me was the smells. The front room is burning vintage incense, but with the lack of ventilation from being literally boarded in, and the overpowering smell of the four dogs oozing from the dusty furniture, it was musty and suffocating. To escape this we moved to the back, which is open air — its only when you sit down you notice the puddles around every other chair leg — we thought maybe puddles of rain, or spilt drinks, but it was puddles of dogp*ss seeping into the exposed floor boards. The smell of rancid urine wafting about, and the general cobwebs and grime, with all the furniture in various states of disrepair and dubious structural integrity, made it absolutely impossible to enjoy drinking fruit punch out of a beans tin. The other reviews seem to be overwhelmingly positive, so I'm not sure if this is a heatwave related problem, maybe it's normally washed away by rain or not sunbaked into the floorboards, but we left without finishing the last round and put our clothes in the wash when we got back. Ventilation in the front room would go a long way and wouldn't need to ruin the boarded up secret vibe, and washing down the floorboards out the back occasionally. I definitely wouldn't recommend while the weather is still hot sticky.

This speak easy is amazing. The staff are so helpful and friendly and suite the atmosphere perfectly. I loved the whole experience of Arboretum. They matched our cocktails to our tastes. Fantastic!

I am a keen Ipswich fan now living in Aberdeenshire, having come down to visit family and friends I decided to go to watch Ipswich town with a great friend and take him for lunch and a few beers before the game After reading some very positive reviews I booked the Arbour house pub, we ordered a couple of beers and went outside to soak up the sun in the beer garden and decided to order the burger and pint deal for £10 a head , To say it was value for money is an understatement You had a choice of a local Ale or an Amstel larger and a burger with cheese bacon and salad with skin on fries which were amazing , we had one more beer before heading to Portman road to watch our beloved team win I shall definitely be visiting the Arbour house again on my next trip to sufffolk , in a word fantastic 👍 Mark G

My friends and I come here all the time, the food is quality every time little touches like the stoke sauces make all the difference and the beers and ciders on tap are perfect. It's a no-brainer each time we go and totally recommend anyone coming when looking for a drink or food.

I just loved the whole concept and ethos of this place. Has to be one of the most unique places I've ever visited. Would certainly go back for the great customised cocktails and highly recommend for those looking for some a little extraordinary.

Came here with my Dad for some lunch today and the whole experience was great. The Haddock and chips were incredible (chips out of this world and definetly the best we've had out) service was amazing, we had a lovely server who made it feel so friendly and welcoming letting my dad talk her and the brother of the chefs ears off! (Sorry but thank you!)

We repaired one of their laptops in the past, they now provide cocktails to one of our partners - One Life Left Cafe. What a great place! Highly recommend Arboretum

This is the the most quirky, unusual place in which I have had a beer in Britain, with only the Café Beveren in Antwerp more bizarre. The staff were very friendly and chatty and the four rescue dogs were also keen to pay one attention. We came for the 2022 City of Ale Festival and were offered a wide choice of St. Peters bottle beers, which they really should have sold at a higher price. All of the eclectic objects in the Arboretum are for sale. From the outside the place appears to be boarded up and only the open door and staff member at the door were signs that it was open for trade.

A fantastic find hidden away but on a busy street in Norwich. Serving delicious cocktails decided upon by way of throwing adjectives at the waiter. Beers are from the local St. Peters brewey and served in a proper pint glass. Everything in the antique shop is also for sale so keep an eye out on the many interesting items inside!

Amazing place. Servis was over the top and the drinks was sooooo good,

Excellent pub. Great selection of local craft beer, ace food including vegetarian/vegan, attentive service and a great homely unpretentious vibe. I'll certainly be back next season. (Ipswich 0 Cambridge Utd 1. Yippee)

Gregory is an absolute gem, very knowledgeable in his cocktail craft, the place is very quirky but welcoming and a very pleasant ambiance, big Dillon, little Dillon and booka the woofers are just adorable. A hidden gem in Norwich

We recently enjoyed a fabulous Sunday roast at the Arbor House, one of the best we have had by far.The meal was well presented and included a variety of lovely freshly prepared vegetables, ample roast potatoes, yorkshire pudding, tender meat and flavoursome gravy. Although, we did not have a dessert, there was an excellent choice.There was a good selection of wine and beer and they also offer some really good cocktails!The atmosphere was warm and relaxed and the staff friendly and helpful.Great place to spend a few hours relaxing on a Sunday afternoon.

Superb secret hideaway, with fantastic cocktails and ambiance.

What a great quirky place to relax and have a cocktail. If anyone has played resident evil 7 then similar decor but no gore! Great staff and drinks very good.

Great prices for excellent and delicious cocktails. Plus the theme and decor is gorgeous, and lovely dogs.

Pure magic. In the best way possible! Eclectic decor. Bespoke drinks. Entertaining engaging staff. I love it!

The best cocktails I've ever had in my life. Dog friendly, but if you can't bring your own they are happy to supply

Love Norwich's eccentric speakeasy with deerhound pups, Victorian-1930s curios, vintage films, custom cocktails based on your taste preferences, and that feeling of exclusivity/secret/in the know as to its whereabouts, whether it's open, or how it functions. Gloriously Norfolk idiosyncratic hidden gem in the Lanes.

Absolutely love this place! Staff are always so friendly and attentive, they really make you feel right at home! We ordered cocktail takeaway for New Year and the cocktails were amazing - well packaged, good strength to them! Cannot recommend this enough!

Very friendly staff, amazing to die for cocktails made to your fancy. Will be back.

Not for me, but i'm sure for some. It doesn't feel very clean. Surrounded by dog hair, dusty toot and old cups. I really wanted to like this place but struggled... P.S - Nutmeg doesn't have to go on every drink, regardless of the odd excuse they gave about it being used in the 1700's.

Impossible to describe, just visit and enjoy the quirkiest little bar in Norwich! Also say hi to the doggos for me.

Very nice place, pleasant cheerful staff

Not a fan of the drinks concept. Rhubarb is one of my favourite fruits, but didn't want it in every drink I ordered. Staff were pleasant, setting was quirky, but incense from the 70s!

Weird cocktail bar / antique shop quirky everything is for sale must visit what an experience

This was a great victorian style bar. It was quirky and unique and sold really strong alcohol in medicine bottles. I'd it has shut down, then that is a sad loss. (Good news! It had only shut for a possible covid case and has reopened)

A really friendly welcome and great service, I went for lunch with a work colleague and we had 3 small plates for £10, we both had the mini fish and chips which was an ample size for a lunch when you have to go back to work and not feel sleepy, and we shared a portion of onion rings which were sublime, huge rings, hot and crispy batter, really good. I enjoyed my lunch so much I went back yesterday on my own just for some chips. I really like what they have done with the outside space as previously the area was used for bins and car parking, but they have extended their garden space into this area and it is much better use of the space. The chef is very friendly also. I will be back

Great. Unique, quirky bar with excellent cocktails and super friendly staff.

The Gem of Norwich! The absolute best place to be!