Coming to Town!

[ATB]

Hi folks

Some of you may remember me. I was a fairly prominent contributor to this site for many years. Life got more serious with work and kids and as such things like football forums fall off the radar.

Having said that I’ve maintained being a town supporter from Australia for over two decades now.

Last year was fantastic and due to our success I was able to watch a few games live through streaming services. I was super pumped when we got promoted but also a tad concerned because I’m in the UK for the first time since 2010 visiting family and planned to get a town game in with my son but I was worried about tickets being in the prem.

Anyway I’ve managed to get my hands on some tickets and will be coming tomorrow with my 6 year old! I’m super excited. I haven’t been to Portman road since 2005! My question for you lot is what is the best pub to go to before the game for a pint and a meal with y kid?

[Blue Wilf]

Welcome back ATB. Others may know better than me as I avoid Ipswich like the plague generally (other than to go to the match of course)! You will find it is not the town it used to be... crime and shop closures have put paid to it like much of the rest of the country... on match days, pubs and restaurants are pretty rammed so if you havn't booked, it may be a burger from a van I am afraid! If I had to, I would go somewhere like the Greyhound but again, it will be rammed on match day so if you havn't booked, a very slim chance of a meal. Like I say, others may have a better view and a more positive experience but sadly, the town itself is not a great place any more... failing that - go to the fan zone which will at least be buzzy and safe for your lad. I hope you enjoy it!

[Bluemike]

Hiya,
I tend to use the Botanist on the Cornhill pre match now, lovely pub, really good food, easy to get a table and never wait to be served, the only thing they don't have is live football on screens and because of this it's not overcrowded etc. I am popping in for a couple of beers with a mate tomorrow.

Aside from there you have the c*ck and pye, the plough, the cricketers, Isaacs, Mannings and the black horse, all of which are popular with fans pre game and definitely not as laid back as the Botanist lol, they will probably be heaving.

Anyhow welcome back to Ipswich and I hope you enjoy the game, would be good to see you back posting too.

[Frosty]

Hi folks

Some of you may remember me. I was a fairly prominent contributor to this site for many years. Life got more serious with work and kids and as such things like football forums fall off the radar.

Having said that I’ve maintained being a town supporter from Australia for over two decades now.

Last year was fantastic and due to our success I was able to watch a few games live through streaming services. I was super pumped when we got promoted but also a tad concerned because I’m in the UK for the first time since 2010 visiting family and planned to get a town game in with my son but I was worried about tickets being in the prem.

Anyway I’ve managed to get my hands on some tickets and will be coming tomorrow with my 6 year old! I’m super excited. I haven’t been to Portman road since 2005! My question for you lot is what is the best pub to go to before the game for a pint and a meal with y kid?

awesome mate, great to see you back, MMJR67 was back on here recently as well.

Have a great trip in the UK.

[ATB]

Thanks for the tips guys!

I’m driving in and was going to park and ride but that appears to not operate in Sundays

So by the sounds of it I’ll grab something just outside of town and then find somewhere to park closer to Portman road.

[Charnwood]

Thinking of the match kick off time trying to squeeze a pre match meal and be in the ground early enough to enjoy the atmosphere might be a challenge. Depending where you’re heading to maybe you’ll pass through a lovely Suffolk village that will still be serving a late Sunday lunch, that would be my perfect place to celebrate at least a point from the game and if not what what might have been.
I rarely visit the UK these days and can’t say I miss it. I went last year for Christmas and it pissed down pretty much every day for a week. Luckily I managed to get two tickets for the Leicester City game on Boxing Day and absolutely loved it. The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic in fact nearly as good as I could remember from the Bobby Robson era which for so many years had deserted us. I think the new owners have done a great job improving the stadium, I even had use of a lift to the upper tier of the Sir Alf Ramsay stand to access my seat which had an amazing view of the pitch from behind the goal.
Enjoy your visit ATB, I’m sure you’ll love it.

[ATB]

What an amazing day!

My son and I had a great time and what a cracking match that was.

Totally buzzing

[Charnwood]

I’m still buzzing and only watched it on the telly.

[shabba]

Just read this, amazing to hear a story like this! Glad you had a special day with your son.