NEWS

Stay up-to-date with upcoming events, live music nights, wine tastings, and seasonal updates from Bistro on the Quay, your Ipswich waterfront destination for modern bistro dining.

New Brunch & Dishes at Bistro 2026

We are kicking off 2026 with an updated brunch service. Brunch is now served Friday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 11:45 am, giving guests the perfect start to their weekend with a leisurely morning by the Ipswich Waterfront.

The refreshed brunch menu features four exciting new dishes:

  • Grandma’s Fried Egg Toastie – A nostalgic, hearty sandwich with perfectly fried eggs and comforting flavours.

  • Stacked Pancakes – Tall, fluffy pancakes layered with seasonal toppings and finished with a drizzle of maple syrup.

  • Avocado Halloumi – A vibrant, savoury take on avocado toast, topped with grilled halloumi for extra flavour.

  • Posh Totties – Luxurious loaded tots with creative toppings that turn a classic favourite into a standout brunch treat.

Whether catching up with friends or easing into the weekend, Bistro on the Quay’s new brunch hours and dishes offer a delicious reason to linger longer by the water. Early booking is recommended.

Culture, Creativity & Ipswich Marina

From waterfront walks to live shows and immersive experiences, it’s the perfect place to make a day — or evening - of it.

Explore the town in a new way with the AR Trail: Ipswich Journey of Words, an interactive experience that brings stories, poetry and local voices to life through key locations around Ipswich. It’s a thoughtful, creative way to wander the town before settling in somewhere special to eat.

Enjoy inspiring performances at DanceEast, from contemporary dance to workshops and showcases, or catch a touring show, comedy night or live music at the Ipswich Regent Theatre. For bold, original productions and much-loved favourites, the New Wolsey Theatre continues to deliver standout theatre right in the heart of the town.

Before or after your plans, Bistro on the Quay is the perfect place to pause. Set on the waterfront, it’s ideal for a relaxed brunch, express lunch , pre-show dinner or a post-event glass of wine. And with food now served all day from Thursday to Saturday, you can drop in whenever it suits your plans.

Love is on the Quay

This Valentine’s Day, Bistro on the Quay invites couples to indulge in a refined dining experience with a specially curated set menu, available on 13–14 February. Framed by the romance of the Ipswich Waterfront, the bistro provides an elegant setting for an intimate and memorable evening.

The Valentine’s menu celebrates seasonal produce and carefully composed dishes, designed to be savoured at a leisurely pace. Whether marking the occasion on Valentine’s Day itself or enjoying a quieter celebration, guests can look forward to attentive hospitality, graceful flavours and softly lit views across the quay.

With limited availability across both evenings, Bistro on the Quay offers a thoughtfully indulgent way to celebrate Valentine’s.

Early reservations are recommended.

Alpine Cheese Extravaganza Night

Fondue or Raclette? That is the question.

Wine Boutique’s first extravaganza night invites you to indulge in the cosy comforts of après-ski. Think bubbling alpine cheese, crisp mountain-style wines, and a warm, indulgent atmosphere straight from the chalet. Gather around, sip, dip, scrape, and savour—because winter nights are better with cheese, wine, and a little friendly debate. Choose which one you will be sharing with your party.

Wine & Cheese Extravaganza Nights

Wine and cheese are a match made in heaven — but knowing which wine truly complements which cheese can feel overwhelming. Join us for an evening of relaxed, no-nonsense guidance on how to pair them perfectly.

Taste and learn as we explore a curated selection of artisan cheeses alongside exceptional independent wines.

Our 2026 Events

Enjoy monthly food & wine nights, Sip & Paint events, live music on the quay, and seasonal dining experiences designed to be shared.

What’s coming up:

More wine and dining events are coming soon. Book early to avoid missing out.

Our Wine Boutique

Celebrating five years at the Bistro, our Wine Boutique collaboration continues to bring exceptional-quality wines without the hefty price tag. Since April 2021, Julien and Wine Boutique — independent wine specialists from Felixstowe and Frinton — have curated a handpicked selection that proves great wine doesn’t have to be expensive.

Browse upstairs, choose your bottle, and enjoy it with your meal downstairs. Five years on, it’s still all about outstanding wine, great value, and relaxed dining done right.

Watch this space and save the 2nd April to 5th April, Easter Weekend, for our 5th Birthday Celebration.

Supporting Local: Dingley Dell

We’re proud to feature Dingley Dell Pork on our menu, a local Suffolk farm known for its high-welfare, sustainably raised pork.

Run by brothers Mark and Paul Hayward near Woodbridge, Dingley Dell focuses on flavour, ethical farming, and biodiversity. Their pork is a favourite in dishes like our slow-cooked pork belly and seasonal specials.

By working with passionate local producers like Dingley Dell, we’re bringing you food that’s fresh, flavourful, and rooted in our region.

Great food starts with great local ingredients and Dingley Dell delivers every time.

Supper Cruise Set Sail for a Third Year

We were delighted to return for the third year running, teaming up once again with the historic Victor Sailing Barge and our sister restaurant, Mariners 1900, for the much-loved Summer Supper Cruise - an evening filled with delicious food and riverside charm.

Guests enjoyed a freshly prepared two-course supper from the kitchens of Bistro on the Quay and Mariners 1900, followed by a relaxing cruise along the beautiful River Orwell, all for just £50 per person. Great food, scenic views, and the magic of sailing made it everything summer evenings were meant to be.

The cruises ran on Friday evenings through to the end of September.

 

Contemporary Art at the Bistro

Back in 2020, we proudly partnered with MF Gallery and Frames in Ipswich to bring a fresh, contemporary feel to our interiors, and it’s been a brilliant match ever since.

From bold, colourful acrylic paintings to striking silhouette drawings, our walls feature bespoke artwork by talented local artists, all beautifully framed by MF Gallery. It’s not just for show either; every piece is available to buy, so if something catches your eye while you dine, it could be yours to take home.

We love supporting local creatives and independent businesses, and this ongoing collaboration helps give artists a platform while offering our guests something a little different to enjoy. If you’re curious about a particular piece, just ask your server and we’ll be happy to tell you more!