Great Sunday lunch from Ipswich's Suffolk Punch pub

But in February it reopened with a fresh new look with a real "community pub" feel - and now it has started a new venture, serving Sunday lunches.

The Suffolk Punch reopened in February. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

This started at Easter - and on Sunday my wife and I were invited by chef Adam Perkins to try out the menu.

We were in for a treat - and one that is really affordable for anyone looking for a traditional Sunday lunch.

The first good news comes before you walk in to the pub - the menu on the A-board isn't long. There are four main courses there - three roasts and a vegetarian option.

That's what you want. Limited choice but cooked well - and at a very reasonable price.

I couldn't resist the roast beef while my wife Judy, who does not eat meat, tried the roots loaf.

The roots loaf was a satisfying alternative to the traditional roast. (Image: Paul Geater)

The beef was done to a turn - not overcooked and dry but perfect for flavour and texture. Judy was impressed by the roots loaf - it went down very well with a touch of cranberry sauce.

The vegetables were superb - a wide selection and all cooked perfectly.

For dessert there is again only a limited choice - but that does ensure everything is fresh and there's always the choice of ice cream if you're too full for anything else!

There are children's portions available and with the roasts costing between £12.95 (for the roots loaf) to £14.25 for the roast beef - it won't break the bank.

The meal was delicious and very satisfying and as we relaxed afterwards Judy commented that it really felt home cooked - it wasn't like going to a restaurant, more like having a family meal at a friend's home!

Chef Adam Perkins and his partner Shannon either side of landlady Wendy Smuts (Image: Paul Geater)

Adam is the chef and runs the food operation at the Suffolk Punch with his partner Shannon.

He said: "We're starting with Sunday lunches - we've had good feedback and we really want to offer something that people will like, there's great footfall around here."

He's hoping to expand the food offering at the pub and is planning a big barbecue event on Father's Day in June.

The couple also want to offer food to customers when the pub has live music.

We ate at one of the tables laid out in the main bar - but there is also an upstairs restaurant that can also be booked for functions.

When landlords Mike and Wendy Smuts took over the Suffolk in February they spoke of their aim to take it back to its community roots.

Serving food is central to that - and it's starting to make good on that pledge with these splendid Sunday lunches. 

The Punch isn't too far from our home - it won't be long before we're back again for a great lunch if we're enjoying a lazy Sunday!

Paul Geater sampled Sunday lunch at the Suffolk Punch as a guest of the pub.