Your Local for Good Drinks, Good Food and Long Evenings
Summer does not officially arrive until late June, but you would not know it from the hedgerows. The elderflower is out, the mornings are lighter than they have any right to be, and by the end of May, Suffolk will be giving us more than sixteen hours of daylight to fill. The rusting BBQ is being eyed from across the garden. The garden chairs need dusting off. Plans that have been vague since January are suddenly turning into actual dates.
Which means it is time to talk about what is in the fridge. And, more importantly, where to go when the fridge runs out. 🍺
What is Finbows Tap?
Finbows Tap is our tap room and shop at Finbows Yard in Bacton, and it is the kind of place you can easily spend longer in than you intended. We stock a range of lovingly produced drinks from ethical, independent producers across Suffolk and beyond — alcohol, low alcohol, soft drinks, and hot drinks — so whether you are after a cold pint on a warm afternoon, a proper coffee to set you up for the day, or something in between, we have got you covered.
You can drink in and settle into the tap room, or grab a takeaway selection and head home with the fridge properly stocked. We are open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Just come and say hello.
What beers go best with a Suffolk summer?
We are the home tap room of Humber Doucy Brewery, brewed just a mile down the road in Bacton, and two of their ales were made specifically for this time of year.
Friday Street, their Hazy Summer Ale, is brewed with Simcoe and Amarillo hops for a passion fruit and citrus hit in a light, refreshing body. It is their gold winner at the 2024 SIBA Regional Awards, and it is the one to reach for alongside grilled white fish, tiger prawns, or, honestly, just on its own in the garden while the BBQ gets up to temperature.
Hedgerow, the Nettle and Elderflower Saison, is a collaboration with The Food Museum in Stowmarket and a Bronze winner at the 2022 SIBA Regional Awards. Crisp and floral, it genuinely reflects the Suffolk hedgerows it is named after. For food, think halloumi skewers, grilled asparagus, chicken thighs with herbs, or a goat’s cheese salad with something sharp on the side.
What beer goes best with a BBQ?
It depends on what is on the grill, but here is how we think about it.
For fish and seafood, Friday Street is the one. The citrus and passion fruit notes lift rather than overpower, and it is perfect alongside grilled white fish, prawns, or anything with lemon on it.
For halloumi, asparagus, or lighter vegetable dishes, Hedgerow suits the food beautifully. The floral, saison character works brilliantly with anything plant-forward coming off the grill.
For a proper burger or a thick-cut steak, reach for Humber Doucy’s King Slayer bitter. Full-bodied, smooth, with hints of blackcurrant. A traditional Suffolk bitter that holds its own against big flavours.
For hot dogs, smoked ribs, or anything with a proper char on it, the Robust Porter is the dark horse of any BBQ. Rich coffee and chocolate notes that stand up to smoky meat in a way lighter ales simply cannot.
And the Pale Ale? Hoppy, sessionable, bitter finish. We always think it is the one for fish and chips. Every time.
What else is on offer at Finbows Tap?
Quite a lot, as it happens. Alongside the full Humber Doucy range, we stock ales from Watts Brewery and Ampersand, award-winning gin from our neighbours Heart of Suffolk Distillery right next door in the yard, and exceptional English wines from Burnt House Vineyard.
Not drinking alcohol? Breckland Orchard posh pop and Eufloria natural sparkling are both proper drinks in their own right, and we also stock kombucha for anyone after something a little different.
And the coffee. Our barista machine is now properly up and running, turning out artisan coffee and chai lattes all day. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up, a quiet hour with the paper, or something warm while you browse the yard, we are ready for you. ☕
Where can you find drinks and things to do near Bacton, Suffolk?
Finbows Yard is worth more than just a quick visit. While you are with us, it is well worth a wander round our independent neighbours. Heart of Suffolk Distillery is right next door, crafting their award-winning gins. J. Lawes traditional hardware has been a village staple for years. Finbows Furnishers and EmZo Gift and Home are both worth a look if you are after something for the house. Good companies to keep, and a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning before the weekend properly gets started.
Yard Nights: the last Friday of every month
If you want Finbows Tap at its best, come on a Yard Night. On the last Friday of every month from 5 pm until 9 pm, the yard opens up into something a bit special. Local beer and drinks on tap, a rotating street food van, long summer evenings, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes an hour feel like three in the best possible way.
Whether you are catching up with friends, bringing the family out, or finishing the week somewhere with colleagues that actually feels like a treat rather than a work event, Yard Nights have a way of suiting everyone. Entry is free. No booking needed. Just turn up.
Check our socials before each event to find out who is cooking — the food van changes every month, and it is always worth knowing in advance. 🌮
Everything is available to drink in or take away, so if you fall in love with something on the night, you can head home with a few to keep the weekend going.
Come and find us
Finbows Tap is at Finbows Yard, Station Road, Bacton, IP14 4NJ. Use IP14 4NJ in your sat nav. We are open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, with late openings for Yard Nights on the last Friday of every month.
You can also order the full Humber Doucy range online for home delivery through their website — ideal for stocking up ahead of a BBQ or garden gathering when you cannot make it to us in person.
Wherever you end up enjoying a Humber Doucy this summer, give us a tag. #IFoundHumberDoucy 🍻