Unique Places to Enjoy a Drink in Bury St Edmunds

The history of The Vaults at The Angel Hotel is incredible. 12th-Century cellars built from the same stone used to face the Abbey itself and it has serious wow factor.

Newly refurbished for 2024, The Vaults is now a fantastic food and drink event space and on the last Friday of the month a spectacular setting for a Friday night drink.

But be sure to book your table, this is already proving to be a popular nightime spot.

Aptly named, The Nutshell is the smallest purpose-built pub in Britain. Measuring just 15 foot by 7 foot, the cosy pub is full of fascinating details, from currency on the ceiling to a plane propeller on the walls.

Enjoy a pint from the carefully curated selection of the region’s finest ales and soak up the atmosphere. You certainly won’t run out of things to talk about in this intimate and unusual spot!

Brand new to Bury St Edmunds, The Secret Distillery is a modern speakeasy style bar in Short Brackland with an extensive cocktail list, featuring the local Heart of Suffolk Distillery's own spirits, including their award-winning London dry gins: Betty's, Rosie's and Ivy's alongside limited edition liqueurs.

It's a great place to wind down and enjoy local spirits but also local beers and wines from Suffolk. Don't miss a chance to try their gin, beer and wine tasting boards.

The decor will is 1920s speakeasy style with wraparound bench seating, comfy sofas, and a copper top bar.

Discover The Wine Cellar; a sophisticated and contemporary bar perfect for wine aficionados. With an extensive menu of over 100 wines from across the globe, you’re sure to find a new favourite here.

The friendly staff are on hand with unpretentious recommendations and to talk you through the iconic ‘wine wall’ which displays the wide array on offer. Positioned in the historic Buttermarket this is a great space to relax and unwind.

For an authentic Belgian experience step inside the beer bar Vespers. Offering an unrivalled selection of over 50 speciality Belgian beers and 15 draught beers, this is a must visit for serious beer lovers.

After running a successful shop for 11 years, the father-son duo behind Vespers are building on their success and have opened up this exciting new bar. Why not try the Brugse Zot, a light and sweet blonde beer, or perhaps one of the historic beers from the European Trappist breweries.

Enjoy a relaxing drink against the unique backdrop of the Abbey Gate at the iconic Angel Hotel bar.

Creative cocktails, fine wines, local draught beers and delicious bar snacks are all on offer.

The extensive cocktail list includes most classics along with many in-house creations. Some of these are inspired by the wonderful characters and narratives from the work of Charles Dickens – the hotel's most famous former resident.

Vibes are relaxed, with table service from the hotel team. Don't miss the wonderful mural of a wolf - a nod to the story of Saint Edmund.

Damson and Wilde is a buzzing social space with fresh and contemporary interiors and a stunning courtyard garden, ideal for drinks with friends at the end of a long week.

The wine list features local delights, classic styles and new world wines, and are the perfect accompaniment to the gorgeous Mediterranean small plates and sharing dishes.

For guaranteed good times head to the Verve Bar, a locally owned independent bar committed to fun. With an impressive cocktail and mocktail menu, you’ll have a hard time choosing your perfect drink.

This quirky bar is ideal for a memorable date-night, a big birthday get together or a Saturday night out with the girls. Kick back with a refreshing Mojito, or try something new such as the Mango Margarita, or even treat yourself to a boozy Biscoff milkshake to share. Be sure to check out their impressive and Instagrammable Gin and Cocktail trees.

If you’re feeling inspired and want to learn the tricks of the trade to wow your next party guests book onto the Verve Bar’s Cocktail making masterclasses too.

Beer connoisseurs unite, and make haste to the Green King Beer Cafe where a plethora of beers, ales and lagers await. Order from the menu of comforting pub grub and enjoy one of the beers brewed onsite, such as Green King IPA, Abbot Ale or one of the ever changing seasonal ales.

A trip to the Brewery shop will see you walk away with a range of gifts and tasting packages to try at home. If you want to make a day of it, why not embark on a brewery tour to find out more.

Wander into Boosh’s beautiful Grade two listed building and be blown away by this cosmopolitan bar at the centre of Bury St Edmunds.

Join the experienced mixologists who will transform your evening into an unforgettable night full of unusual drinks. Be sure to try the famous Boosh’s Bramble which mixes mulberry gin, lemon, sugar and a drizzle of elderflower liqueur or sit back with Jamaica’s finest lager Red Stripe.

Oakes Barn possesses all the community spirit and warm welcome you would expect from a traditional pub. Step inside this bustling freehouse and enjoy the vibrant and friendly atmosphere whilst quaffing local hand pumped ales and carefully selected wine and spirits.

Oakes Barn are proud to provide a space and platform for many community groups, and welcome anyone to come along and join in. There is an extensive menu of light bites, sharing platters and pub grub to enjoy and it’s no wonder that they are the winners of several local awards.