A pub on the banks of the River Orwell just outside of Ipswich has been named the best in Suffolk at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2022.

The Freston Boot, close to the River Orwell on the Shotley peninsula, is one of 94 pubs and bars across the UK which were named the best in their respective counties.

Damon Jeffrey, manager at the Boot said: "It's fantastic, all the hard work from myself and the team has been recognised. It makes me feel really proud.

"We're not just the standard foodie pub, we have our little boutique cinema, and livestock — all of our eggs come from our chickens and ducks, and depending on the season we also grow vegetables in the kitchen garden.

"We also host festival style weddings, with Teepees and firepits."East Anglian Daily Times: Damon Jeffery, manager at The Boot in FrestonDamon Jeffery, manager at The Boot in Freston (Image: The Freston Boot)

Mr Jeffrey added that he thinks the Freston Boot's success is down to being able to adapt and the team's hard work.

He added: "We try new ideas and adapt to every request. We will bend over backwards to make customers happy. I'm currently building a bespoke boat bar for a wedding.

"If we stay stagnant, we will die."

Asked what dish he would recommend, Mr Jefferies said: "The menu changes every few weeks, but at the moment, I'd go with the guinea fowl. It's an amazing fresh-tasting spring dish."

Other bars which won their county in the East of England include The Galvin Green Man in Essex, The Three Hills in Cambridgeshire and The Dabbling Duck in Norfolk.

Tristan O'Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, said: "Just from being out in these venues, you can see how much pubs and bars mean to people across the UK.

“With visitor numbers increasing, it’s more important than ever for operators to deliver a standout service during every visit – no matter the business in question.

"These 94 county winners are wonderful examples of the brilliance of today’s modern on-trade. If you live near one of these sites, make sure you pay them a visit.”