Ipswich Star Pub of the Week: The Harp in Cauldwell Hall Road

This week, while out with friends for an Ipswich pub crawl on a Saturday evening, I suggested we go to The Harp in Cauldwell Hall Road.

Not to blow my own trumpet, but what a suggestion this turned out to be.

We walked in and it immediately felt like I had walked into someone's living room and was being treated as though I have been there numerous times before, even though this was my first visit.

The Harp in Ipswich is Pub of the Week (Image: Tom Cann)

I have been to a lot of pubs, not just in Ipswich but around the world, and I can honestly say I don't think I have ever been so welcomed and made to feel as comfortable as I was at The Harp.

Everyone was so friendly, the bar staff, the customers, the owners, the house dog Murphy.

I ordered a Madri, which was £5.30, a good price for a pint these days, and it helped soften the blow of Wales losing in the Six Nations Rugby.

I was introduced to Teresa Page and Tony Casey, the owners of the pub and speaking to Tony, I understood just how much this pub meant to customers.

The Harp in Ipswich is Pub of the Week (Image: Tom Cann)

The Harp in Ipswich is Pub of the Week (Image: Tom Cann)

Mr Casey came over to the UK in 1986 and has worked in pubs his entire career.

He is experienced in owning Ipswich locations, having previously owned McGinty's pub, now Halberd Inn, KC's Bar and Nightclub and Shamrock before deciding to take on the pub in Cauldwell Hall Road.

He said: "It's lovely up here, a really nice part of Ipswich and it's a great pub.

"The locals are fantastic and they support everything we do with charities and hampers and raffles."

The Harp in Ipswich is Pub of the Week - Tony Casey (Image: Tom Cann)

The Harp in Ipswich is Pub of the Week (Image: Tom Cann)

Over the years, the pub has raised money for charity, raising between £3,000 and £4,000 each year. This year they are raising money for the East of England Air Ambulance.

Tony and Teresa took over the pub in 2023 when it was called the Lion's Head, and turned it into The Harp.

Back to my experience on Saturday night, I had a drink with friends, and just as I was saying goodbye to people I had met in the pub, I was told I couldn't leave without being 'initiated' into the pub.

I don't like Guinness, never have, so the next best thing was Irish Mist whiskey, which someone very kindly bought for me.

The Harp in Ipswich is Pub of the Week (Image: Tom Cann)

The Harp in Ipswich is Pub of the Week (Image: Tom Cann)

I had it with ice, and I don't drink a lot of whiskey; it's just not something I buy, but when having that, I wasn't too sure why.

It was lovely, a really nice tasting whiskey that some locals said they didn't enjoy due to how sweet it is.

I liked the sweetness; it actually reminded me a little bit of Haribo, but as if they had been liquified into an alcoholic drink.

I sat down with some of the regulars who got to tell me just how great the pub is and how it makes you feel and I agreed with everything that they were saying.

The Harp in Ipswich is Pub of the Week - Reporter Tom Cann with his Irish Mist (Image: Tom Cann)

The Harp in Ipswich is Pub of the Week (Image: Tom Cann)

I felt as though I had been invited round someone's house for a drink and we just sat in their living room for a chat while the house dog had a wonder around.

It was the first time I had been to The Harp, strange considering I live not too far from the pub, and I can say for certain, it will not be the last.

I am already looking forward to the next time I go there.