The Unruly Pig

Unruly by name, unruly by nature. The stunning Unruly Pig was the first pub in Suffolk to take the top spot on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list which it rightfully did in 2022 and has once again claimed the top spot.

Winsome and warm, Suffolk’s Unruly Pig serves filling and well-crafted pub food in an environment that reflects the personalities of the people behind the stunning venue.

Owner Brendan Padfield is a force of nature, being witty, charismatic and ultimately passionate about the pub he founded following a 36-year career in law.

The maverick owner, along with his outstanding team including chef supreme Dave Wall, has transformed the pub over several years into the stunning phenomenon it is today.

2021's Highest Climber, Suffolk’s Unruly Pig was also named by the Michelin Guide in 2021 as one of the top six food pubs in the east of England. The venue has come an exceptionally long way since joining the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list as a newcomer in 2017.

Menus are changed at least monthly and every day has regularly changing specials, with produce coming in fresh from the coast or other local suppliers.

Dishes are a pleasant cross between British and Italian (Brit-Italian) cuisine, giving diners a refreshing change from the usual pub fare. While the menus differ from those in other gastropubs, it remains familiar, wholesome and ultimately tasty with something for every palate, thanks to the extreme talent in the kitchens. 

Ensuring everyone is catered for, the Unruly Pig offers ‘free from’ menus and has gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options always available.

There are more than 60 wines/fizz available by the glass, Cask Marque-accredited and hand pulled beers alongside a range of bottled craft beers for the drinkers. The pub also boasts home-made cordials as well as local, organic fruit juices.

While the pub’s recent history has been filled with many magical achievements, its has also been subject to tragedy.

Within just 12 weeks of opening in April 2015, a devastating fire destroyed large parts of the building. The pub was closed for six months during which time, Padfield made changes to the structure and feel of the pub to make it more welcoming and accessible.

The pub reinstalled its Inka grill in the recently refurbished kitchen to enhance the flavour and succulence of grilled meat and fish.

We’ve always expected great things from the Unruly Pig, which is no stranger to awards and has been shortlisted for and won many prestigious accolades over the years including Great British Pub Awards.

The pub itself is in rural Suffolk and a five minutes’ drive from the market town of Woodbridge or 25 minutes from Ipswich.

It is a 16th century inn with a Regency period add-on featuring beams, crooked ceilings, log burners and a lush, green garden.