We’ve been busy.
Over the last four months since we got planning, there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes — or behind the six-foot fence currently surrounding it all.
We’ve secured the site with a full perimeter fence. We’ve dug, levelled and landscaped pretty much everywhere. Drainage has gone in, been changed, and then gone in again. Footings have been dug. Dozens of different tree species have been planted, along with hundreds of hedgerows. The new path through to the country park has been marked out. It's all happening here!
And yes — we’ve upset the architect, the groundworker and the landscaper along the way with changes. But as we keep telling them: it’s got to be right.
Through wind, sleet, rain, snow, sunshine and everything else Suffolk has thrown at us, we’ve cracked on. The aim has always been the same: preparing the site for our new taproom, shop, café, garden and visitor centre.
When you’re dealing with it day by day, it’s easy not to notice how fast things are moving. But looking back at the photos and drone footage tells a different story. What was bare ground not long ago is now starting to look like something real — and something we can’t wait for.
Foundations are due to be laid in the next week or so and, if everything stays on track, the frame of the new building should be up in early March (weather permitting!!). We’re also pushing on with landscaping the garden and improving access through to the park ahead of our Easter Beer Festival.
Between now and then, there’s quite a list of jobs to tick off. We need to get grass down in the new garden area, paint the entire perimeter fence, reassemble both marquees, set up the bars, create a new space for live music, make sure electricity and water are safely installed, and order all the beer — making sure it’s delivered in time to rack. The good news? Music sets are booked, food vans are in the diary, and the word is getting out. Pressure always makes us work harder… right?
It’ll be another 12 months or so before the full new space opens, but we’re really looking forward to showing what we’ve done so far and sharing updates in person at our Easter Beer Festival, 1st–6th April.
Take a look at the timelapse and photos from the last few months below. We’ll share another update once the frame is up in Spring.
