Introducing Isaacs on the Quay
Nestled among the distinctive buildings on the vibrant Waterfront in Ipswich, at Isaacs on the Quay you’ll receive a warm welcome during the day and into the evening.
Here, you can be sure that there’s always something new to discover and we never stand still, working to bring new experiences for our guests, such as our stylish winter-time domes, which bring our outside space back into action even in the coldest months.
Isaacs offers four well-stocked bars, each with its own distinct characteristics, as well as a stunning courtyard with its weekend summer cocktail bar, our Coffee Tavern, alongside our neighbouring sister venues The Gallery, and The Briarbank.
Also offering live sports and live music as regular features, as well as a great line up of events, such as Oktoberfest and our film nights, you can count on a superb atmosphere. And with menus that are packed with dining options, whether you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re sure of great tasting sustenance, too.
Our series of well-connected spaces is rich in history, with many original features on display, making it the ideal setting for special events – from private hire for corporate events, parties and weddings and wakes too.
To modern times
Isaac Lord purchased the Isaacs on the Quay buildings around 1900 and they continued to be used for trading coal and corn until the 1980s. John Cobbold, known locally due to the Tolly Cobbold brewery, also once lived in the Isaac Lord house.
The Isaacs on the Quay complex received a direct hit in Second World War. The Foreman’s Cottage, which was attached to the Crossways, was destroyed, as was part of the Saleroom roof. Thankfully, though, nothing else was damaged.
Our Grade I and II* listed warehouse has been lovingly restored and converted to a bar, restaurant and private function facility. Although it’s now one of Ipswich Waterfront’s most popular venues for drinking, dining and celebrating, there are many original features throughout the building and many pieces of equipment used during the building’s long and industrious past are still on display.
Our story continues and, at Isaacs on the Quay, we’re passionate about bringing our customers new experiences that can be enjoyed in our historical setting.
The Isaacs on the Quay Story
Isaacs on the Quay sits along one of the most important historical features of Ipswich’s past – the now regenerated waterfront has long been a trading hub for the town. The complex of buildings that make up Isaacs on the Quay has a long history, too, with its own story dating back from medieval times.
From medieval
While we carry the name of Isaac Lord – a local businessman who bought the property from the Cobbold brewing family in 1900 – Isaacs on the Quay is set in a collection of Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings – including medieval and Tudor – some of the oldest sections were constructed between 1430 and 1550.
Home and the way of life of a wool merchant when Ipswich was one of the most prosperous and important towns in England, our buildings retain many of their original features, including the carefully restored corn-dressing machine – a rare survival of an 18 century hand-malting concern – in the Machine Room. The Merchant House was built in 1636 and has since been lovingly restored into a fully functional guest house, which sleeps up to 14 people across four double bedrooms and sofa beds in the lounge area.