Hello and welcome back to the Ipswich Star's pub of the week feature, where we shine a spotlight on one of the venues in the town.
For one last time this year, let's take a trip to another of the town's establishments, which is one of my favourite places to spend a couple of hours - Bears Pool and Snooker Bar in Star Lane.
This place is unlike any other in Ipswich, a games bar with plenty to offer.
As you enter, you have the pool area to your left and darts to your right, with four dart boards and scoring systems.
Ipswich Star's Pub of the week is Bears in Star Lane (Image: Tom Cann)
The pool area boasts eight English pool tables and two American pool tables.
I regularly enjoy going to Bears with friends to play an hour or two of pool with them, despite not being the best at the game.
But that's the beauty of the bar. It's for everyone and I've seen some awful games of pool being played, but everyone was still having a good time.
Of course, with it having so many tables, it is a popular destination for those who can play and the venue holds regular competitions and club events.
Ipswich Star's Pub of the week is Bears in Star Lane (Image: Tom Cann)
Ipswich Star's Pub of the week is Bears in Star Lane (Image: Tom Cann)
There is plenty of seating around the area if you want to just enjoy a drink also.
It is £8 for an hour of play, which, if you're good at pool, you can easily get a number of games done in that time.
On the first floor they have even more tables, including three full-size snooker tables.
Bears also offers a range of food and drinks that you can enjoy while you play, including burgers, breakfasts, chicken strips and sausages.
Ipswich Star's Pub of the week is Bears in Star Lane (Image: Tom Cann)
Ipswich Star's Pub of the week is Bears in Star Lane (Image: Tom Cann)
Whenever I have been in Bears, it has been full of people having a nice time. Whether they are playing darts, pool or snooker, or just sitting at one of the tables having some food and drink, it's always been a nice vibe.
The bar also has TNT Sports and often has music video's playing in the background.
On this occasion, I met up with a friend for just a quick drink so didn't have time to play anything, but we have been there regularly in the past to have a game of pool.
Bears as it is now, opened in 2017 after Robbie Williams, who used to run the Drum & Monkey pub and the Premier Pool Club, took over the Bears Bowling site.
Ipswich Star's Pub of the week is Bears in Star Lane (Image: Tom Cann)
Ipswich Star's Pub of the week is Bears in Star Lane (Image: Tom Cann)
At the time of taking over the bar, Mr Williams said he hoped to fill the void that was left by the closure of Riley's Sports Bar in Princes Street and his Drum & Monkey pub which both had pool facilities.
With the closure of Wiff Waff Sports Bar in 2024, Bears is one of the few sports bars left in Ipswich.
I am a big fan of Bears. It's a great place to hang out with friends, have a few friendly games of pool or darts, no matter your ability, and enjoy a drink.
Where should we go in 2026? Tell us your recommendations.
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