Stowmarket Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Stowmarket

April 6, 2018 Concepcion Newsome

Stowmarket (/ˈstoʊˌmɑːrkɪt/ STOH-mar-kət) is a small market town in Suffolk, England, on the busy A14 trunk road between Bury St Edmunds to the west and Ipswich to the southeast. The town is on the main railway line between London and Norwich, and lies on the River Gipping, which is joined by its tributary, the River Rat, to the south of the town.
Things to do in Stowmarket

1. The Old Counting House

6 Old Street, Haughley, Stowmarket IP14 3NR, England Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Buffet, Free Wifi Indian, Asian, Balti, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +44 1449 673617
Excellent
42%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 186 reviews

The Old Counting House

Some splendour once born live through ages, Time cannot dim their glory nor distance their memoryFew countries can match the sheer variety of Indian cuisine in proportion and regional variations.One moment you may experience a rare 7th century wonder, the next the 14th century concoction of considerable charm of the old counting houseUsing specialist ingredients from rare spices and avoiding artificial colouring and flavours, and allowing the original colours to be self-extracted from the ingredients itselfOur menu combines earthly traditional Indian flavours with cutting edge styleDigging deep into India’s culinary culture, we have revived succulent fare worthy of a NAWAB’S taste buds, a repast worthy enough to appease the appetite of the MUGHAL MONARCH

Reviewed By DRB380 - Stowmarket, United Kingdom

We've been here many times and will do so again but this time it was as poor as we've ever had here. The onion bhajis were chewy and the taka dhal was tasteless and runny. Portion sizes still in the modest size too.
Not up to the usual standard.
Generally this place is lovely and we'll certainly go back.

2. The Buxhall Crown Inn

Mill Road, Stowmarket IP14 3DW, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, British, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Late Night HK$118 - HK$275 +44 1449 736521
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 378 reviews

The Buxhall Crown Inn

17 Century freehouse and restaurant exposed timberframe dining room ingle nook fireplace with roaring log fire from light lunches to fine dining

Reviewed By CSEBob - Stowmarket, United Kingdom

Previous reviews encouraged me to pick this venue, but I was misled. Yes, it's a beautiful building, and the staff were cheerful, polite and efficient. The menu was varied and interesting, but with a price range of £14-20 for a main course, it should be. This promises a very high standard for pub food, and sadly it didn't deliver. The presentation was outstanding, but the flavour was absent. The 'vegetable stack' claimed to be a combination of a long list of varied vegetables, but was in fact 90% potato, and devoid of any flavour at all - the strong sauce just about made it edible. The sea bass which my partner ordered was apparently similarly bland, and overall the quantities on both our plates were disappointing too. The vegetables "for two" would have fitted on one tablespoon.
Frankly, this was a far too blatant attempt to underfeed so as to encourage a dessert order, and being so disillusioned by the main course, we didn't bother.
(We also overheard similar comments from an adjacent table)
Full marks for everything except the actual food...

3. The Kings Arms

3 Old Street, Haughley, Stowmarket IP14 3NT, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$102 - HK$220 +44 1449 257120
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

The Kings Arms

Fresh food with a focus on local and seasonal produce, freshly ground coffee served all day, and Cask Marque awarded beer with Greene King favourites as well as regularly changing guest ales

Reviewed By MontgomerySuffolk - Suffolk

Went with friends to celebrate a birthday, my husband & I arrived early and had a wonderful coffee until our friends arrived. The lady who looked after us all was so helpful and we had the bread, olives and pork puffs as a starter, but sat comfortably in front of the fire. The puffs and tomato popcorn are a triumph.
We all had fish and chips, the fish was so fresh and triple cooked chips were delightful. After bread and butter pudding and home made ice cream, we all agreed what a superb meal and experience we’d had.
We were not hurried at all which is so lovely, Haughley is very lucky village to have such a wonderful pub.

4. Chinese Chequers

59-63 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1BA, England Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wheelchair Accessible Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 1449 676788
Excellent
54%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 180 reviews

Chinese Chequers

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?rlz=1C1SKPC_enGB376GB376&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=stowmarket+chinese&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=chinese&hnear=Stowmarket,+Suffolk&cid=2797441733916581324

Reviewed By Sabrina D - Norwich, United Kingdom

This was the first time visiting this restaurant and it was lovely! The food was amazing and all of us enjoyed it! Everything is reasonably priced and the staff are outstanding! I had a bit too spicy dish and one of the guys (dark shirt, maybe managed) asked if I wanted it toned down, and so he did! All staff were friendly and polite. The only downfall was there was no music at the time of our visit but there was speakers there, so I'm guessing that normally there is music. I will definitely be recommending this restaurant and I will return again. :) 5*

5. The Magpie Inn

1 Combs Ford, Stowmarket IP14 2AP, England Takeout, Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, British, Pub, Chinese, Asian, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$78 - HK$220 +44 1449 612727
Excellent
65%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 153 reviews

The Magpie Inn

A Traditional English Country Pub Offering Wide-range Menu and beers.

Reviewed By Stuart R - Laindon, United Kingdom

Both my girlfriend & I hadn't been here before but the reviews were good. Staff straight away were helpful, giving a better table with more room. The restaurant area was just what we wanted, warm, relaxed clean worn a nice buzz. Girlfriend is vegan which usually means very limited restaurant choices but not here. After initially not wanting anything on the menu, she opted for a simple jacket potato & salad, then a member of staff came back Andy said the chef will offer you other vegan things not on the menu especially, this was amazing attention to her food needs.
I had a great surf and turf, big portions, steak cooked how I asked for it. The food was then topped off with vegan ice cream dessert, which was gorgeous.
The beer was great, nice selection of ales, the East Coast IPA was lovely.
We will definitely be back! Thanks to Malcolm and his great team.

6. The Gladstone Arms

2 Combs Ford, Stowmarket IP14 2AP, England Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Seating Bar, Pub Dinner +44 1449 771608
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

The Gladstone Arms

Reviewed By racheal f - Stowmarket, United Kingdom

Not to be overlooked, amazing ales, & many of them. Fantastic staff, if not slightly quirky,!!!! Friendly, chatty & if your a stranger to town you’ll always get a conversation from a local. Does great pub food at very reasonable prices. Try the local pork pie, comes with a jar of pickle n mustard, yum!! Puts on amazing beer festivals & music nights. If you manage to get a table for the quiz night its a darn good laugh.

7. The Deli & Cafe at the Chilli Farm

Chilli Farm Norwich Road | Mendlesham, Suffolk., Stowmarket IP14 5NQ, England (Formerly The Deli) Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Cafe, British, Delicatessen, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks HK$55 - HK$110 +44 1449 766344
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 161 reviews

The Deli & Cafe at the Chilli Farm

Our passion for all things delicious is at the heart of what we do. Our cafe offers light lunches, homemade cakes & scones, great coffee, and much more.We also have a shop full of yummy goodies...locally sourced items always take precedence, but you will also find exciting flavours from the rest of the world. Every product is individually selected and we are constantly sourcing new produce and suppliers that we think you might like! We offer a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, alongside personal and knowledgeable service. We look forward to seeing you soon at the Deli.

Reviewed By csquire4 - Billericay, United Kingdom

Stopped off here for a mid bike-ride, full english refuel. Nice place, quality ingredients and lots of nice food on the deli counter to drool over whilst your waiting. The pot of tea for one was a bit small for me but I do drink a lot of tea !

8. Punch Bowl Inn

Bowl Road | Battisford, Stowmarket IP14 2LQ, England Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, British, Pub, European Brunch, Lunch, Dinner HK$55 - HK$165 +44 1449 771646
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Punch Bowl Inn

We are a Community run Inn serving great food, with a wide selection of beer, wine and soft drinks. Situated in the village of Battisford the building is over 300 years old, combining a tradition Suffolk pub with a modern menu. Come down for lunch or bring the whole family down for a lovely evening out. Like us on Facebook to her about our upcoming events and menu changes.

Reviewed By Simon_Greene - Sudbury, United Kingdom

Food here has really improved and Paul the new manager really impressed us with his care and attention. Great jazz every first Sunday of the month sounded fab today. Thank you.

9. The Curry Inn

12 Station Yard, Needham Market IP6 8AS, England Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Indian, Asian, Balti, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night +44 1449 722990
Excellent
64%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 244 reviews

The Curry Inn

As The Curry Inn enters its 20th year, in the heart of Needham Market, continues to be instrumental in changing perceptions of the subcontinent’s cuisine.The Curry Inn provides a classic combination of indisputable knowledge, unique experience and traditional values that carry worldwide recognition. The restaurant offers a sophisticated fine dining experience with effortlessly charming staff, discreet service and tantalising food that few can compete with. That is the combination to ensure guests come back for more.

Reviewed By Heather Q - Ipswich, United Kingdom

Living locally, we always like to book a table at this excellent restaurant when we fancy a curry. Thoroughly enjoyed my King Prawn Makani with a delicious Mushroom rice and some Raita. Finished with an equally delicious Mango Dessert. Everything beautifully cooked and superb service as ever. Quite easy to park outside too. Booking advisable at the weekends.

10. The Shepherd and Dog

Lower Road, Onehouse, Stowmarket IP14 3BX, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$78 - HK$165 +44 1449 614675
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 243 reviews

The Shepherd and Dog

Reviewed By Clive R - Stowmarket, United Kingdom

Popped in for a lunch between Christmas and New Year, decided upon Fish and Chips, good size portion but to be honest was tasteless, could have been anything, didn’t seem like any seasoning in the batter. Very good and friendly service.

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