Owners of The Forge Kitchen in Ipswich Grant and Robyn Owen have launched a breakfast menu which complements the restaurant’s stripped back approach to food.

East Anglian Daily Times: Grant and Robyn Owen, owners of The Forge Kitchen in Ipswich. Picture: David ChatfieldGrant and Robyn Owen, owners of The Forge Kitchen in Ipswich. Picture: David Chatfield (Image: BOBM.PAFO.==)

There’s no doubt that The Forge Kitchen in Ipswich hit the ground running when it opened back in December. It has proven very popular in the short number of weeks it has been open and has seen a vast number of diners come through its doors in this time too – many more than owners Grant and Robyn Owen say they ever expected.

Although only being open for five weeks, The Forge Kitchen has already expanded on its offering by launching its breakfast menu two weeks ago. Available from 8am to 11am on weekdays, and 9am to 11am on weekends, breakfast perfectly complements the restaurant’s simple and straightforward approach to food.

Believing people are already comfortable asking to change parts of a breakfast dish for something else, Grant explains that the breakfast menu doesn’t work in the exact same way as the restaurant’s main menu (where diners can make their own meal by choosing their meat, sides and sauces all separately).

There is something for all appetites on the breakfast menu however. If you’ve got a big appetite first thing, why not try the ‘Full Forge’ (the traditional English breakfast) or, if you’ve got a sweet tooth how about griddled pancakes with either streaky bacon and maple syrup or warm mixed berries? Maybe you’re after something a little healthier to get you through the day? Why not opt for the ‘Protein Breakfast’ of smoked salmon, avocado and poached eggs and a smoothie packed full of glorious greens?

East Anglian Daily Times: Full Forge and quinoa porridge with berry compote at The Forge Kitchen. Picture: ArchantFull Forge and quinoa porridge with berry compote at The Forge Kitchen. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

“We use a lot of local produce in our menu – we use sausages from Procters and get our fresh produce from Foskers – but when produce is from elsewhere we ensure we acquire only the highest quality,” says Grant.

In need of a morning caffeine fix with your breakfast? The Forge Kitchen uses Suffolk company Paddy and Scott’s to supply its coffee.

However, alongside the menu’s set dishes, there is a selection of extras which Grant says can be chosen from to create a completely unique meal if necessary. If you only want eggs and avocado or beans on toast, no worries… the chef will happily whip it up for you.

“People are often apologetic when asking to change something and, when they do, even ask if their combination is weird. We tell them ‘no not at all, you can have whatever combination you want’,” laughs Robyn. “The Forge’s menus mean you can eat what you want, how you want it. It’s simplistic and means if you want to eat clean, you completely can.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Griddled pancakes with streaky bacon and maple syrup at The Forge Kitchen. Picture: ArchantGriddled pancakes with streaky bacon and maple syrup at The Forge Kitchen. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Grant added: “We’ve taken elements that we know work in the restaurant business and embraced them. We’re aiming to provide what everyone wants and hopefully people will enjoy it.”

With previous experience working in pubs and hotels, both Grant and Robyn had a strong idea of how they wanted their own restaurant to be when they opened. Despite some people thinking The Forge Kitchen is fine dining, this isn’t what it’s about at all.

“Our food concept was our main focus, but just as important was the atmosphere we wanted to create,” says Grant. “We wanted the place to have a relaxed feel, and dreamed of people sitting around, chatting, laughing, eating and drinking.”

Robyn adds: “We wanted the environment to feel nice and for people visiting to be able to make the night what they wanted, whether that’s a fancy meal for a special occasion, lunch for office workers nearby or a quick bite to eat for someone staying in the hotel next door.”

East Anglian Daily Times: The Forge Kitchen, Ipswich. Picture: David ChatfieldThe Forge Kitchen, Ipswich. Picture: David Chatfield (Image: BOBM.PAFO.==)

If you visit The Forge Kitchen, even for just a quick drink, prepare to be welcomed into the family. The team are engaging and attentive, which is evident in the buzz you feel as soon as you walk in, and with many customers having become regulars already, the feel good vibe must definitely be rubbing off on those who visit.