Review: The Theberton Lion, near Leiston, offers pub food at its best

Rock & roll bingo!

We were armed with a pen and more enthusiasm than knowledge of the genre as classic hits filled the Theberton Lion pub.

Ticking the songs we recognised (or valiantly attempted to) on our bingo sheet, a free drink awaited the winner.

It was the perfect end to a summer's evening at this hidden gem of a family-owned freehouse.

Rated Rural Pub of the Year 2024 by the Ipswich and East Suffolk Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), The Lion is at the heart of the coastal village of Theberton, near Leiston.

On Saturday night, a silky breeze moved through the wildflower bordered lanes of the peaceful village as a hearty meal awaited at the pub, in Main Road.

Inside is something of an Aladdin's cave - art with sonnets by Shakespeare adorn the walls as well as quotes by Virginia Woolf and Samuel Johnson.

Ipswich Town match programmes fill a bookcase, photos showcase the village's and pub's past and there are posters of legendary magicians.

The Lion boasts a wide range of drinks and ales - we had the Victoria Bitter by Earl Soham, pinot grigio white wine and rhubarb cider.

This was followed by chicken, bacon and mushroom pie, venison in red wine pie, wild mushroom burritos with charred salsa and summer lamb cutlets with fennel and baked nectarine.

With tender meats and wholesome flavours, this was pub food at its best - comforting, filling and tasty.

Rock & roll bingo followed in aid of charity.

It is part of a packed programme for the pub, which has visitor accommodation, with events this month and next month including curry nights, quiz nights, beer club tap takeover and summer beer festival.

Proprietor and landlord Tom Lagden was attentive, friendly and welcoming.

Overall, Theberton Lion is a pub which really goes the extra mile and is well worth a visit.