Irene's Patisserie is a lovely little bakery that really should do more to help itself. The place…read moresmells delicious at all hours of the day and night, yet the inside and outside of the shop is unloved and bland to look at. Displays are haphazard and don't showcase their very obvious talents. There are tasty fresh sandwiches. Cakes can be made to order and taste divine. I know their produce is great and their prices affordable - it's a terrible shame they haven't asked for a hand to promote themselves. Its lack of parking is evident and it really does have to scream at passers by to slam the brakes on. Come on Irene a lick of paint, some baskets outside and a change around is in order! It's time to show off a bit!

Driving under the Orwell Bridge, out of Ipswich, heading towards the Shotley peninsular there are a…read morefew signposts for the Suffolk Food Hall. This is a permanent farmers market where you can buy quality meats, fish, veg, cheese, etc - all with great prevenance, and of high quality. I often buy the Sunday roast there - they do a great beef on the rib. Also here is the Bourne Garden Centre and the Samford Restaurant Cafe. The cafe is small and well served with a menu of homemade dishes (I like the Suffolk Steak Sandwich). There is usually also a good selection of veggie options. The menu is not huge, but does seem to offer a decent degree of choice. The food is very good quality - I believe that the current chef came from The Alex in Felixstowe. The prices are not cheap, but that is reflected in the quality of the food, so I don't think the food is overpriced. Service is friendly and good, and there are stunning views out to the Orwell Bridge.

On the way to Shotley under the Orwell Bridge - Suffolk Food Hall is great for lots of organic…read moreproducts, fruit & vege and specialty stuff. Big bouncy pillow for kids to play on. Cafe and also a great restaurant with awesome views out over river!

We popped in for coffee and came back for lunch. A delightful bakery with delightful staff. Can't…read morepraise this place enough.

This is a huge Sainsbury's that has only recently completed its refit. Straight off the Felixstowe…read moreRoad, it is easy to find. Be warned, however, that the store is now much too big for its car park. You will struggle for a place at peak times - often having to resort to parking in the Homebase car park that adjoins it. Once inside, it's a great store with large aisles and an airy feel. It has a vast array of non-consumable goods at very good prices (including clothing and electricals). The only real letdown here is the cafe unbelievably slow on and off peak, understaffed or undertrained. It's not a nice place to sit - nor is it a pleasant experience. Apart from that it's a great store with good customer service.

Located just off the main pedestrianised shopping area in town but well located alongside…read moreWilkinsons. Good range of products stocked and it is really useful for popping in to get lunch or shopping that you may have forgotten. Loads of baskets and trolleys available. Quite a lot of tills but you still do sometimes have to queue for a few minutes. Prices are reasonable. Staff are helpful. Parking available outside for those with a blue badge. Alternatively parking is in the pay and display car parks or if you can find a space down Lower Brook Street.