Deben Inns Ltd

Deben Inns, eight independent pubs in Suffolk

Deben Inns Ltd is a family-owned group bringing together eight pubs and inns in Suffolk (United Kingdom). The company presents itself as a collection of individual establishments, not a conventional chain: each venue keeps its own personality, history and ties to the community where it is located. What unites them, according to its own description, is a way of working based on honest food, well-kept drinks and a genuine welcome for anyone who comes through the door.

The eight establishments

The group distinguishes each pub by its setting and character:

• The Butt & Oyster (Pin Mill): known for its historic maritime atmosphere and river views.
• The Ship (Levington): a coastal retreat popular with sailors and walkers.
• The Wilford Bridge (Melton): a historic pub with a warm, cosy atmosphere.
• The Coach & Horses (Melton): traditional charm with a focus on local beers.
• The Fox (Newbourne): a traditional Suffolk country pub surrounded by walking routes.
• The Swan (Westerfield): contemporary dining just minutes from Ipswich.
• The Maybush (Waldringfield): a riverside location with fresh seafood and pub food.
• The Kings Head (Woodbridge): a classic market-town pub with a lively local scene.

Origins and family history

The group's story begins in 1992, when Mick and Ann Lomas acquired The Wilford Bridge in Melton. Without a prior corporate plan, they started from the idea that a pub should be the heart of its community. Over more than 25 years, Steve and Lou Lomas developed that project into a collection of eight Suffolk pubs and inns. Today, their son Sam has joined the business, so a third generation is involved in running it.

Food and local produce

The company states that each kitchen team has the freedom to incorporate its own ideas and style, with no identical menus imposed from a central office. That autonomy translates, according to its approach, into menus that change naturally depending on the venue, the season and the ingredients available. The cooking reflects the Suffolk coast and countryside, from pub classics to more elaborate dishes when the setting calls for it.

Local sourcing is a stated feature of the group: it works with farmers, fishermen, brewers and producers in Suffolk, and tries to buy ingredients as close as possible to each establishment. Cask ales are another hallmark, with a different selection in each pub and support for local brewers whenever possible.

Events, spaces and services

The venues are offered as spaces for private celebrations, baby showers, meetings, parties and more sensitive occasions, with experienced teams to support the arrangements. The group also sells gift vouchers and has its own app giving access to exclusive offers and promotions, as well as a loyalty programme with rewards.

The pubs describe themselves as dog friendly: they welcome dogs in designated areas, recommend mentioning it when booking a table and offer walking routes around the establishments, as well as treats for the animals.

Team and customer relations

The company describes training and team days for its staff, aimed at building an internal community and improving skills such as pouring beer or developing new menu ideas. It defines itself as a small, family-run business and collects customer feedback through surveys, with a monthly prize draw for a £50 gift voucher as an incentive. It also keeps a blog with news, menus, offers and events from its pubs, and an email list to communicate promotions and updates.

Head office and venues

The Butt & Oyster (Pin Mill): Phone: 01473 780764 · Email: buttandoyster@debeninns.co.uk

The Coach & Horses (Melton): IP12 1PD

The Fox (Newbourne): IP12 4NY · Phone: 01473 736307 · Email: fox@debeninns.co.uk

The Kings Head (Woodbridge): IP12 4LP

The Maybush (Waldringfield): IP12 4QL · Phone: 01473 736215 · Email: maybush@debeninns.co.uk

The Ship (Levington): IP10 0LQ · Phone: 01473 659573 · Email: ship@debeninns.co.uk

The Swan (Westerfield): IP6 9AJ · Phone: 01473 251447 · Email: swan@debeninns.co.uk

The Wilford Bridge (Melton): IP12 2PA