The Masons Arms in St Edmundsbury

We had a Christmas party here. Very good food the service was excellent. Plenty of other parties going on at the same time. Excellent venue.

Mason Arms, Bury St Edmunds: A Rustic Gem for Food and Ale Lovers Nestled in the charming market town of Bury St Edmunds, the Mason Arms is a quintessentially British pub that effortlessly combines rustic charm, outstanding food, and a welcoming atmosphere. This is not just another stop on the pub crawl; it’s a destination in its own right, perfect for anyone who appreciates quality, authenticity, and a bit of character. From the moment you step inside, the cozy, rustic decor sets the tone for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Exposed beams, warm lighting, and a lively yet intimate ambiance make the Mason Arms feel like the kind of place where locals gather, stories flow, and everyone feels at home. The menu is a standout, offering hearty, traditional British fare done exceptionally well. Their pies are nothing short of legendary—perfectly golden crusts encasing rich, flavorful fillings that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. The scotch egg is a delightful treat: crisp on the outside, with a perfectly soft center that’s a testament to their attention to detail. Every dish is prepared with care, making it clear this pub doesn’t just rely on its drinks to keep patrons coming back. Speaking of drinks, the beer selection is excellent, featuring a wide range of ales, lagers, and ciders that cater to every palate. Whether you’re after a local craft beer or something more traditional, you’re sure to find a pint worth savoring. And the drink prices? More than reasonable, which is rare for such a high-quality experience. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a pleasant day—or even a chilly one—you’ll want to take advantage of the outdoor patio. With its heat lamps and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy your meal or drink al fresco while soaking in the charm of Bury St Edmunds. In short, the Mason Arms is a true gem. Whether you’re a foodie, a beer enthusiast, or just someone in search of a great spot to relax, this pub delivers on all fronts. Rustic charm, unbeatable pies, and a scotch egg that deserves its own fan club—it’s everything you want in a British pub and more. Don’t miss it!

Lovely old pub/restaurant. Very welcoming.

I had a starter - the scotch egg with salad and chutney. It said that the scotch egg was home-made but I would bet my house that it was shop bought. I thought it would be warm and that the egg would be runny but no. It was very, very average (with a tiny bit of salad). For £6.50 I feel absolutely ripped off.

We made a late decision to visit during the Christmas lights turn-on, staff catered for us (2 plus dog) within 15mins on the only table available, despite being really busy with lots of walk-ins. Ideally located just off town centre, paid street parking available and decent sized heated outside area. We both had the chicken and bacon pie, chips and veg, gravy was supplied on request and all really good. Pie didn't look overly big but was really deceiving. It was possibly the most filled pie we've ever had, definitely worth having. Staff were friendly and chirpy, despite being clearly busy. Highly recommend and although we've been before, we would certainly visit again.

Had a lovely time Fish & Chips, delicious cooked fish without being dry.

This Pub is known for it's pies, and for just under £16.00 the beef pie was well worth it! So much delicious, melt on the fork beef, in a rich gravy, with my choice mash and vegetables. Some people do not like the puff pastry top and the pie comes in a dish, but I can recommend it! All freshly cooked. I am lucky I live next door so i was able to roll home after such a large meal.

First time in this lovely olde worlde pub in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, Went there with my daughter lunchtime. The food 😋 was enjoyed by us both,They also had a good choice of beers 🍻.

Absolute delicious home made pie.

Went today looking especially for a steak pie and was not disappointed. Very impressed with the size of the dish and quality of the food. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good pub meal

We visited here with our daughter and two year old granddaughter. The food was very good and staff were friendly my only gripe, they do not have a children's menu. So had to purchase a basket meal of which two thirds was wasted! I hate food wastage and feel options for a small child to eat could be better and less expensive. I appreciate businesses have to make money but charging a small child for an adult meal doesn't seem Especially when so much food was wasted.

Day shopping stopped for lunch and found this cozy pub Great food great service friendly staff and nice environment would definitely recommend .

We dined here (walk in) for a Thursday evening. My partner had the steak and ale pie and I had the southern fried burger. Food was tasty, well presented all in a very timely manor. Staff were extremely polite and with a smile. Pub is an oak beam country style pub and the glass panel in the floor as you enter to show the cellar below is a quirky touch. Outside area is spacious, very well maintained and on a mild October evening made a pleasant wind down after the meal. 10/10 visit would not hesitate one bit on returning

We went here early ish on a Saturday evening and it was so busy. Thankfully we had booked a table for food and the food was fabulous, 2 of us had the steak and ale pie and 2 had sea bass. Both were delicious, really tasty, great bar staff and generally a fantastic atmosphere. Recommend highly.

Got fish & chips, absolutely amazing. Beer garden had lots of people, good environment. Was there on a trivia night so that was cool. Bartenders were nice enough to keep my tab open, every other place I’ve been around haven’t done that for me (not from UK). Would visit again

I would not recommend to come to this place in a company of more then 4 people….. We are 10 people here and they serve two big plates of something, that you have to eat with your hands, and no any spoon was there to put this food on your plates… I wonder what was the idea of serving this food for 10 people in this way?????? Was this so difficult to make at least 5 small plates instead… Feeling like pigs eating from one trough…. Very disappointed ….:((((( Just sitting and looking at this plate, thinking if this was even closer to me, I wouldn’t like to get my hand into the plate, were many other hands were dipped And …then we talk about hygiene in restaurants…:((

Great little pub for a quick pint- very atmospheric oldie world

This is a local watering hole for me. We don’t eat out that often but decided after a 15 mile walk!! To let someone else do the cooking. I had Sea Bass on crushed new potatoes. AMAZING…. Pure restaurant quality and my Nephew had burger, he is a burger connoisseur and he also said TOP QUALITY. Staff, WONDERFUL, service GREAT. Well priced too 👍👍👍👍

We only had a drink will definitely come back for a meal sometime.

The food was great and friendly service

The food was awful. The burgers were dripping with fat and tasteless. I felt ripped off. I took family and won’t do it again

We enjoyed really nice meals. Hot, tasty and generous portions

Great pub lovely staff and two beer gardens

Over priced food over priced drinks would not recommend

over priced. false advertisement of a green king pub.

My first issue is the false advertising of the Greene king name if u come into the pub and expect to use your discount then get told it’s a different green king. It’s very over priced 6.50 for a single pint £15:45 for the hunters chicken I really wouldn’t recommend coming here.

Came here on a very hot August day. Had booked table so had a table inside by the window. Menu is great ... so had a really tricky time deciding on what I wanted. Eventually chose something off the specials board. Went for the salmon and dill fishcakes and was really impressed by the portion size and quality. Will definitely be back ... wanna check out the homemade scotch egg!

Very nice pub in the centre of town. Many ales on tap, including Woodefordes Wherry and a couple from Oakham, as well as GK stuff. Beer garden out back.

This was my first time at this pub and had heard that it was good from friends. However, this ended up being my first and last time here. Upon ordering my drink at the bar, the bar tender commented to my friend that “I looked so smiley and cute” in an incredibly patronising way - as if she was my mother not a friend the same age! Even odder that he addressed it to her, not to me who was standing right next to her! He then went to high five me before pulling away and tricking me?! He then tried again to high five even after he could see I was uncomfortable! So odd and super unprofessional - made me very uncomfortable…won’t be back.

Lovely hidden gem. Great beer garden / courtyard.

Once again, great food, great beer and great service! Always like to come here when out in the town. Best place to eat by far.

Order at the bar with your table number. Great portion on the shareable. Great place for socializing with friends and family.

Good little pub. The food was amazing and freshly cooked. Friendly staff and food reasonably priced. Very busy when we visited on the Saturday evening, but didn't wait long for our meal. Best to book a table.

Lovely old pub always have at least 1 meal every time we visit bury excellent meals & being a veggie myself found they have quite a reasonable choice of meals for me other greene king pubs should take lessons well done to all great vegetable lasagne by the way wife had chicken with Stilton & sliced new potatoes again very nice both these don’t seem to be on GK MENUS

Just enjoyed beers 🍻 weekend away worth a visit

Great pub, good food, friendly staff. Couldn't fault it as a down to earth pub restaurant.

This used to be my go to spot for a pint when I lived in Bury St Edmunds. Staff are great and they serve Asahi on tap. Food is good but make sure you order early enough as the kitchen won't be open too late. I've made a lot of great friends here and celebrated by 30th birthday pub crawl by starting here. Highly recommend checking it out!

Great atmosphere. Service was good not excellent. Food, out of 5 meals I could critique 3. My fish pie was mainly potato and cream sauce, very little fish pie shrimp in it. The scampi wasn't whole tail though stated that on the menu. The chicken in the chicken burger was a bit over done. Overall cost was more expensive for what it was. To put things in perspective, I think I could do a better job at home.

Off the beaten track. Great food with a large selection of lagers and ales. Recommended.

little blonde manager was horrible, why would someone that narcissistic represent such a nice pub is beyond me. unfortunately i will never return whilst he is there or recommend. no

Horrible experience, I tried to bring me disabled son in here but he was wearing an England shirt and the manager said no. Very upsetting, definitely wouldn’t recommend!

Professional and hard working staff and comfortable surroundings.

This pub was recommended by people at the Greene King brewery, as a place where Greene King beer is served well. It's ten minutes' walk from the brewery (which is closed on Sundays). The Masons Arms didn't disappoint. I just popped in for a quick Abbot Ale and it was beautifully kept, not a trace of sharpness, just full of flavour. You could see why this place won the Greene King award for Best Beer Pub 2023. The bar seemed nice--wood, with Victorian tiles on the floor--but I sat in the outside area, which was also lovely on a sunny day.

Didn’t do food but great pub for a drink and great atmosphere both in the pub and beer garden.

This became our home pub once Queens Head closed up shop. Good location, nice sized outdoor seating area, and friendly staff.

Excellent sunny afternoon in the beer garden lovely food as well

Lovely food staff Very friendly will definitely go back

Great pub with an extensive beer and spirit selection, varied menu with traditional and more modern dishes. The inside has a couple rooms with tables in front. It’s on the smaller side but it’s an old building so to be expected. There’s an outside areas accessible from the side or through the inside with plenty of seating and space. The food has always been excellent, bar staff are good to chat with and are happy to give their advice on beer selection. Highly recommended!

Great home cooked meals enjoyed by all

Nice traditional pub with good selection of ales, lagers, etc. and a lovely undercover courtyard area. Food was average with no frills.

We ate here for Easter Lunch. The area where we sat was very squashed and near to other customers. The food was average for the price. Some of the veg was not cooked properly and the lamb was gristly and there was a problem with the wine, ended up paying for the bad wine, although none was drunk and a new bottle of wine. The bill came to 168 pounds for footrest and a child. Very expensive one course meal.

Just Carrots were a bit firm for me, but I would still go back. The rest of the meal was super,

Beer selection is spot on. Never had a bad experience. Love the outdoor area, which has heating for during the colder months.

Cracking little courtyard with good selection on menu, staff helpful and attentive. Lunchtime seems to be a good time for me to pop in and always get a table. Lots of different lagers and ales on tap too

Friendly service, tasty food. Recommended

I always go the Mason's Arms when in Bury, which sadly isn't as often as I'd like. The Abbot Ale on tap is far superior to the cans you buy in supermarkets.

Taken by friends but found the food to be warm, not hot. Today Lunch meals thst were served in a 'kept hot' state + Lamb viewed as running with fat. Vegetables at best, warm. Considering not 100% of tables were in use, bar staff did not listen to customer enough. Felt viewing menu, if Sandwiches are £7.50 (a round ?), that's a mighty price to pay in a common or garden town centre pub. Semi-restrictive for a wheelchair. Dog friendly and staff all had smiles.

Great food, busy pub , felt like I was back in the good days

I enjoyed every mouthful of my meal. Good beer too. Will I go back, certainly will.

Great selection of beers that change regularly. Good choice of food with some different items. That was presented well and nice size portion. Friendly welcoming staff with advice on the beer. Lovely old style pub with a good out side area. And just a short walk to the cathedral.

Great fish and chips with very nice pea purée. Crisp light batter and tasty fish. Beer excellent too. We don’t normally do pub grub but this was excellent and worth returning in the near future

Walked in on the off chance on Sunday, staff checked their bookings and found a spot for three of us. We all had the Sunday roast which was excellent. Friendly, helpful staff we will definatly revisit, but will make a booking in future

Excellent range beers and quality foods, friendly atmosphere will go again

Great pub hidden front the town center but an easy walk, really great value for spirit mixers x

A visit to the town on the coldest day of the year so far. A warm welcome, good beer, very friendly staff and fairly priced food. Strongly recommend.

There were a lot of Christmas parties going on when we were in but the staff were brilliant. There was a great atmosphere and the food was great.

Lovely pub with great bear, food and wonderful service. 😀

Really ill after having the pulled chilli con carne here. Shame as pub is overall great but being put out of action for three days after only eating ten percent of a mediocre meal is irritating to say the least.

Little busy on a Friday night but very nice beer.

Superb cosy place, really enjoyed it here

Good Pub. Good selection of craft beers . Visited at 5pm, relatively quiet, went on to eat elsewhere ( as planned )

Great pub, loads of vibe, comfortable seat inside with heating outside.

Excellent food with a difference and nice atmosphere

Wife & I just had steak & ale pie. V.nice! Veg could have had very slightly more time was a bit 'firm' but that's better than soggy. Great flavour meal & real mash, couldn't be more friendly & helpful only sorry we don't live here to come again.

Went to the masons arms for our works xmas dinner , everything about this pub was amazing, the food was so perfect , the service was excellent, cannot fault this place , we will be returning

A good home cooked meal with good friends

Fabulous beef and ale pies with crispy chips and veg. Excellent value for money. The fish and chips with minted peas was a equally delicious with a thin and crispy batter. The service was quick and food was piping hot. Would highly recommend.

Great pub, excellent service despite being very busy. Good value food and drinks.

Friendly staff, huge selection of proper drinks, nice atmosphere proper pub, thank the Lord!!! A rare thing these days, how many pubs could learn a bitor two from this great place.

Lovely lunch on a drizzly day. The halloumi and pineapple burger was to die for. The calamari rings were so big and meaty. We hadn’t booked but the team were wonderful at spotting a table for us as another couple were leaving.

Superb beef & ale pie. Good service & recommendations from the barman on choice of ales. Nice cosy feel frequented by locals & passing shoppers & tourists. Really nice way to relax for a drink and a meal. It was the perfect choice after watching a great film at the local cinema. We will be back.

Great atmosphere, good pub food.

Lovely fresh tasty food. Best burger I’ve had in a long while and my husband really enjoyed the chilli. Staff were very friendly and helpful despite us managing to knock a whole pint over. Would highly recommend

We spent a day in Bury and decided to visit for lunch and a pint. excellent Sunday roast dinner with cleared plates,yummy dessert.would recommend this pub for a visit.

I have to say I was sadly disappointed by the food other than the chicken starter. It was very basic quality more what youd expect for a 2 for 1 pub grub. Took over an hour to get a starter. Which did have us expecting better quality of main but sadly no. There was No apologies from staff for the wait just said they had an issue with the staff in the kitchen and I expected much more when spending over £90 for 2 adults and 2 children. Beautiful place but wouldn't bother with food there again.

I live locally and I go to this pub fairly regularly because it has great food (albeit fairly pricey but what you would expect in Bury), good ales and lagers, friendly staff and a great outdoor area, with lights and heaters.

Booked here for 9 adults and was so pleased we did as the food was exceptional. When I called about an hour before we needed a table the guy seemed a little off but still booked it. When we got there he was a bit off and very abrupt which made us think about going but I’m glad we never did as the food and service from Paul (another server) was amazing. The sharing platter was the best I’ve had if it’s kind anywhere and all of us said the same about the food. If we come to bury again then we’ll definitely return here.

Came on for an early evening meal, home made scotch egg to start followed by the fish pie, absolutely delicious!

I was recently in Bury to look at the Abbey ruins for my research. Looking for a good place to eat we asked a woman walking her dogs and she recommended the Masons. It was an excellent recommendation from the moment we walked in and were greeted by the barman (I found out later his name was Michael). Both he and the other barman, Jordan, were so hospitable and made us feel welcome. The ale (their house ale) was superb, the food excellent and the pub was spotless. I highly recommend this pub and should I find myself in Bury St Edmunds I will make a beeline for the Masons Arms!

During our pub tour of England there were not too many pubs that we frequented twice - but this was one of them. Great little beer garden, welcoming and warm inside with a great selection of real ale. One of the best pubs in Bury.

Our first visit. Great in-town location, excellent food, great atmosphere, efficient staff. Well please with our first Bury restaurant.

Essen ist gut, man kann schön draußen sitzen und das Bier 🍻 schmeckt wie es sollte. Alles in allem, gute Adresse für nen netten Abend.

The outdoors dining is very nice to have in good weather. The Staff is friendly and works hard.

What a great pub. Staff amazing. Food exceptional. Can't wait to go back. Update. 9mths later than previous review. I had a vegan curry. Man came to clear the plates. Asked if all was ok. I said my meal was a "poor relation" to my friends meal. He said "well we aren't a vegan restaurant" my reply was "perhaps I should come and cook for you as it's not hard" Rude I thought. If you can't offer a meal that at least compares with your other meals, then don't bother trying. We won't be back! Expensive for what I got. Small portion, just warm. Bland. Not worth the price. Disappointed. Changed to two sra but still saying 5?

Went about 2.30pm, food doesn't get served until 5pm !, was disappointed but the pub was very atmospheric & service was brilliant, plus dogs are allowed .

Good pub, good food and good service.

Meals were great, staff lovely! Great place for a meal out.

Extremely rude staff. Food was beyond rubbish. When we complained about it they simply refused to accept our issues and insisted we paid although we barely touched it. Would not recommend at all. A shame really because its a nice pub other than the staff and the food. The one job you had to do...

Great environment service and drinks

We only use the place for drinks, the garden is unmatched.. The drinks have a wide selection of classics and 'on trend'