Business Details
Traditional Pub & Restaurant in Spexhall | The Huntsman & Hounds
Established in 1496, The Huntsman & Hounds is a historic Tudor half-timbered pub and restaurant nestled in the heart of Suffolk. Owned by husband-and-wife team Ian and Hollie Bowmer since 2019, we pride ourselves on serving high-quality, home-cooked meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Our menu caters to diverse dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and culinary excellence. Recognised with a Food Standards Agency rating of 5, we combine traditional pub charm with modern hospitality across our spacious dining areas, beer garden, and patio.Guests can enjoy themed evenings such as Grill Night on Wednesdays, Burger Night on Thursdays, and Fish Night on Fridays, alongside family-friendly and dog-friendly amenities. We also accommodate Brit Stops for overnight visitors, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all. Our dedication to preserving the pubs centuries-old character while delivering contemporary service makes us a cornerstone of the Spexhall community.
Services
Home-Cooked Meals
Dietary Options
Quiz Nights
Senior Citizen Specials
Takeaway Service
Private Events
Beer Garden
Parking Facilities
Children's Menu
Allergen Information
Highlights and features
- We serve home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Our menu includes vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options for all dietary needs.
- We hold a Food Standards Agency rating of 5 for hygiene and excellence.
- Themed evenings like Quiz Night and Grill Night offer unique dining experiences weekly.
- Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and equipped with a spacious beer garden and parking.
Associations and certifications
- Food Standards Agency
Services
Home-Cooked Meals
Our home-cooked meals are crafted daily using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and supporting regional producers. Dishes range from classic British fare like fish and chips to hearty roasts and pies, all prepared with a focus on quality and tradition. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the best available produce, guaranteeing a dynamic dining experience.
Dietary Options
We cater to diverse dietary requirements, offering vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free alternatives across our menu. Each option is clearly marked, and staff are trained to advise on allergens and ingredient sourcing. This commitment ensures every guest, regardless of dietary needs, enjoys a safe and satisfying meal without compromising on taste or quality.
Quiz Nights
Weekly quiz nights provide a lively social atmosphere, combining entertainment with our signature pub fare. Held every Tuesday, these events attract locals and visitors alike, fostering community engagement in a relaxed setting. Participants can enjoy themed questions, prizes, and the opportunity to test their knowledge while savouring our home-cooked dishes.
Senior Citizen Specials
Tailored lunch specials for senior citizens offer one or two courses at fixed prices, available on Mondays and Fridays. The menu features hearty, nutritious portions of traditional dishes, ensuring value without sacrificing quality. This initiative reflects our dedication to serving the local community and making dining accessible for all age groups.
Takeaway Service
Our takeaway service allows guests to enjoy our home-cooked meals off-site during regular dining hours. Orders can be placed by phone or in person, with a focus on maintaining food quality and presentation for collection. This option caters to busy customers seeking convenience without compromising on the taste or authenticity of our dishes.
People
Ian Bowmer
Owner
Ian Bowmer co-owns The Huntsman & Hounds with his wife Hollie, bringing decades of hospitality experience to the 500-year-old pub. He oversees daily operations and menu development, ensuring a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. His leadership focuses on community engagement and maintaining the venues historic charm.
Hollie Bowmer
Owner
Hollie Bowmer co-owns The Huntsman & Hounds, leveraging her culinary expertise to curate menus that cater to modern dietary needs while preserving traditional recipes. She manages front-of-house operations and event planning, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all guests. Her vision drives the pubs reputation as a family- and dog-friendly hub.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday–Wednesday 11:30am–10pm, Friday–Saturday 11:30am–10:30pm, and Sunday 12pm–5pm. Closed on Thursdays.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, we offer vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options clearly marked on our menu, with staff trained to assist with allergen inquiries.
Are there special offers for seniors?
We provide Senior Citizen Special lunches on Mondays and Fridays, with one or two courses available at fixed prices.
Can I book an event at the pub?
Yes, our venue hosts private events and themed nights like Quiz Night (Tuesdays) and Grill Night (Wednesdays. Contact us for bookings.
Is takeaway service available?
Yes, our takeaway service operates during regular dining hours (12pm–8:30pm) for meals to enjoy off-site.
Do you have outdoor seating?
Yes, we feature a large beer garden and patio area ideal for sunny days, alongside ample parking for visitors.
Reviews (7)
Andreea Ieremie
Jan 06, 2022
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Celebrated my bday in there recently and we all loved it. Delicious food, very kind and polite staff. I could even bring my own bday cake. Many thanks for such a brilliant evening x
Ann Anthony
Nov 10, 2021
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Just got back from having a lovely meal here.fantastic service..very friendly atmosphere..food very very nice,good value for money,will defo be returning there again..excellent choice of menu, and deserts.
Zena Parsons
Oct 28, 2021
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Wow what a find this pub was. So friendly welcoming and the food was really good. I can recommend the steak and ale pie. You will never go hungry here the portions are very large. We ate here twice. Excellent.
Michael Bithell
Oct 17, 2021
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Had a lovely evening meal here. The steak was one of the best I've ever had. And they have nice puddings too. The pub is dog friendly. The staff were friendly polite and helpful. All clean and tidy. Would definitely go back.
Alistair Johnson
Oct 16, 2021
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A fantastic pub for fantastic food! Very generous portions at extremely reasonable prices, the staff make you feel very welcome and are attentive without being intrusive. Highly recommended.
Marilyn Hatcher
Oct 09, 2021
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Enjoyed a lovely Sunday roast here with friends. Good parking, friendly helpful staff. Excellent choice of food, and with the roasts, a choice of a small or large meal. I had a small meal, but that was still quite a platefull! Tasty, well cooked food. Will certainly be eating here again!
Graham Flemington
Aug 11, 2021
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A proper pub, not trying to be something that it isnt. No odd ornaments or witty quotes painted on the walls just good service in clean cozy surroundings. They serve quality ingredients cooked properly as opposed to pre prepared frozen supplies. We have been a few times and the food is always excellent and good value. The menu is varied and quite large, the vegetarian and vegan choices are great and they are very switched on regarding allergies. The garden is nice in the summer and theres plenty of parking space.
