Sitting just outside of Stowmarket, The Magpie Inn is a wonderful traditional village pub and restaurant. It’s hard to miss this imposing, 17th century, Grade II listed, pink cottage with its abundance of flower-filled hanging baskets, and once tried, it’s also rather hard not to return.

 

It is believed to be the longest continually running pub in the area, being mentioned in records dating as far back as 1619. Before 1726 it was known as Pye (or Pie) which may refer to an ancient meaning for the word magpie, "a half pint". It has also been referred to as Pye Inn and Pie Inn.

 

From 1805 It was owned by John Cobbold, a local businessman, who over his lifetime bought out a large number of inns, taverns, and alehouses in the surrounding town. 

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Since being purchased by us in 2013, the pub now has Free House status, allowing us to offer a wider range of cask ales, lager, and other drinks than a tied pub, and cook the food we love to cook.

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We have continually held the “Cask Marque” which is awarded by independent trained inspectors and guarantees that every pint of cask ale we serve is of the highest standard, and the Doom Bar we serve has received the “Quality Assured” Plaque by its brewers, Sharp’s. Our regular cask ales are Doom Bar and IPA with Caffrey’s and Guinness but there are normally guest ales on tap and we are open to requests. Regular lagers include Carling, Fosters, and Coors. We also home to “The Gin Palace”, “Vodka Valley” and “Rum Cove” offering a wide selection of each type of drink.

 

We have a dedicated dining room but feel free to eat in either of the two bars, patios, or garden. There is a great family-friendly atmosphere and we are child friendly. The Lounge Bar is a cozy, relaxing, and social area with comfy seats, cushions, and a “snug” bay window. Here you can chat relax and admire the exposed oak beams of this historic timber-framed building and wonder about the stories they could tell. The Sports bar offers a livelier atmosphere with pool, darts, live sporting events on tv, and jukebox music. On Friday or Saturday nights throughout the year, we are the venue to come to for live music with well known local singers, tribute bands, skiffle with local group "Skiffuffle", and karaoke nights.

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In the kitchen, you will find Malcolm, a fully trained chef. You will find that he is very flexible and most items can be swapped out or omitted, so if you want your food in a certain way just ask. His menus offer a wide range of food that feature traditional pub fare, grills, generous sharing platters, homemade burgers and ‘Mag-Pies’, ploughman’s and salads. However, we are better known for our Asian specialties which include Kung Po, Malaysian, Spicy Szechuan, and Thai. To customize your Asian experience there is a choice of meats or vegetables, sauce style, and accompaniment. Dare you try the Thai Garlic Chilli Mushrooms?

 

We also have a selection of items for those with a smaller appetite or vegetarian, and separate Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan Menus. Finish off your meal with a dessert from our ever-changing blackboard.

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Weekday lunchtimes we have Daily Specials offering a choice of one or two courses at a discounted price.

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Saturday plays host to “Surf n Turf” Night, a special offer on our steaks and grills with added scampi and a free drink included. A choice of sirloin, rump, T-bone, gammon, and lamb steaks or a mixed grill and if you are after something special, with a price supplement, you can pre-order fillet or rib-eye steaks. We even had a request for a 42oz Tomahawk steak which the celebrating couple thoroughly enjoyed!

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Sunday’s, we cook a traditional Carvery Buffet with a choice of 3 joints of meat, that vary each week, and a vegetarian option. We carve in front of you and serve with all the trimmings. Help yourself to the huge variety of fresh vegetables and condiments. Booking is advisable to secure a table as we are currently running at a reduced seating capacity.

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We celebrate Chinese New Year with a large Banquet Buffet featuring a wide selection of Chinese and Asian dishes then throughout the year we hold Seafood Buffets and other themed nights.

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View pictures of past events on the PHOTOS page, and for further details look at the MENU, OFFERS and EVENTS pages.

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