The Artichoke - Bungay

We dropped in here for lunch while out walking with friends. It was Wednesday lunch time and there were only four people in the pub drinking. On first impressions you could be forgiven for wondering “what have I walked into”. We ordered our drinks selecting two ales from the kegs and soft drinks for our wives. The lady behind the bar was very welcoming and brought menus and the specials board to our table. “Wow”, what a choice we had, which worried me a little as I was thinking with no customers and such a choice what’s the food going to be like and how long will we have to wait. I need not have worried. We all selected a different dish and by the time we were enjoying our second pint of Green Jack the food arrived. It was excellent, the pie came with a gravy boat, we all have ample veg which was beautifully cooked. A real pleasant surprise. The surrounding are not that great, you don’t need your best bib and tucker on, but the food and beer is excellent. We will definitely return and plan to give the Sunday Lunch a try.

From the moment you walk in, there is an absence of atmosphere and certainly no warm welcome. There is no good evening or how do you do, just a grunt from the tattoos behind the bar ‘what can I get you’. This is a far cry from how the pub was previously run and it appears there has been little or no investment. Furthermore, they now run it like a bingo parlour so the potential for a quiet drink or nice meal has completely diminished with the microphone speakers too loud to talk over. We won’t be back any time soon. Very unclassy.

5 out of 5 for the overall experience. I've eaten at the Artichoke on different occasions and have enjoyed welcoming, friendly service. The staff were happy to alter the order when asked. The menu was varied and interesting. I received my meal in good time and correct temperature. Very tasty and will definitely visit again.

On a very sunny tea time we visited this village pub, hoping for a meal and drink outdoors. Large garden, loads of tables. Unfortunately, we found a very sad space. The beer garden is so unloved, unkempt and messy. Rather like sitting in a small junk yard. Full of weeds, broken umbrellas, disused gazebos and a rusty barbecue. It could be an amazing space with some care and attention. The lack of attention, care and general grubbiness for the outside meant we decided not to eat. So missing its full potential. Awful for customers and for the village.

There's a cosy bar, dog and child friendly. Great range of beers and spirits (gin in particular). A very warm welcome and a separate restaurant for food. Big beer garden when the weather allows.