The Swallow at Ipswich

'Eating out as a family can be such fun'at THE SWALLOW in IPSWICH

The next time you are looking for a family-friendly, reasonably priced place to eat in Ipswich, why not try The Swallow, run by Brewers Fayre ? Their motto is: 'Pub food as it should be' and the pub can certainly live up to this claim. Located on Ransomes Europark, behind the Toyota garage The Swallow is ten minutes from the centre of Ipswich, with plenty of parking space.

Maria, Millie & I visited The Swallow early one summers' evening and the tables were already filling up fast, showing what a popular place it is with local families. As a diner, you are spoilt for choice with a variety of meals on offer - a good selection of appetisers start at £2.75 and there are 37 main courses divided between grills, pub classics and fish sections. If, however, you just fancy a snack, there is a range of sandwiches, hot filled baguettes, jacket potatoes and wraps. And if that is not enough selection to choose from, there are daily specials as well as a Sunday roast menu which offers a 2 course set menu for £9 or a 3 course set menu at £11.

The Swallow also offers a special '2 meals for £9' from Monday to Friday between 12 noon and 6.30pm with a selection of 14 meals to choose from and 'Thursday night is burger night' with 7 varieties at £6.99 with a drink included.

There is a separate children's menu; the 'Meal Deal' at £4.50 which offers a selection of all your children's favourites with yummy desserts including traditional jelly and ice-cream.

However, the key attraction for families with young children has to be the excellent play area inside! The fabulous Fun Factory to the back of the restaurant allows parents to watch their children through a large window from the comfort of their table.

Millie couldn't wait to go and play so while Maria ate her delicious smothered chicken dish & I tucked into my Chicken Tikka Marsala, Millie let off steam in The Fun Factory for only £2 a child. (Height restriction- minimum of 3 foot, maximum of 4ft 9inches).And you don't have to have a full meal for your children to enjoy the Fun Factory; many regulars pop in for a drink and a chat with friends whilst their children play.

I spoke to the Moore family from Ipswich who were eating with Joshua (2½) and Jasmine (1½) and they said The Swallow is their first choice for a family meal out. Dad said:-'staff are friendly, the meals are reasonably priced and there is a safe environment for the children to play in without the worry of disturbing other diners'. So next time you are considering where to go, pop into The Swallow, you won't be disappointed!

Birthday Parties at the Swallow only £5.99 per child

Why not consider arranging your child's next birthday party at The Swallow? For a reasonable £5.99 per child, (a maximum of 18 children per party), the children can enjoy party games with food and a cake and party bags included in the price for parties of 8 or more. As well as 90 minutes of play in the fun factory also included are pass the parcel, musical statues or musical bumps. Balloon modelling and face painting are additional activities at just 50p a child per activity.

FUN FACTORY OPENING TIMES
SUNDAY - THURSDAY 12noon - 8pm FRIDAY and SATURDAY 12noon - 9pm