The Crafty Fox Cafe Bar

15-17 Thoroughfare, Ipswich IP1 1BX, United Kingdom
+44 1473 970925
$$$ cafe
(36 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Welcome to The Crafty Fox Cafe Bar, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Ipswich at 15-17 Thoroughfare. This charming cafe breathes warmth and creativity, providing a cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger over delightful dishes and perfectly brewed coffees. With a phone number at +44 1473 970925, you can easily reach out for any inquiries or to plan your visit.

The Crafty Fox specializes in a unique blend of contemporary café fare, embracing gourmet touches that cater to both traditional and adventurous palates. Kickstart your day with their enticing brunch menu, which is served until 11:45 on weekdays and until 14:00 on weekends. Picture yourself savoring the Eggs Benedict Tartine, where ham and poached eggs are lavishly draped in freshly made hollandaise sauce atop a generous slice of crispy French sourdough, all for just £12.00. For something heartier, indulge in the NotSoFrench Korean BBQ Beef; this innovative dish layers tender Korean BBQ beef with melted mozzarella and kimchi for a flavor explosion that’s wonderfully satisfying, priced at £14.00.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the Crousti Patates—crispy oven-roasted potatoes—are seasoned to perfection and come in delightful variations such as Creamy Mushroom & Tarragon (£9.00) or the indulgent Cheesy Truffle Mushrooms (£12.00). And don't overlook the sweet side of the menu where the White Chocolate & Pistachio dip (£4.00) is a must-try, pairing beautifully with your favorite coffee.

Speaking of coffee, prepare to be captivated by the expertly brewed blends offered here. Simon Betts, a satisfied customer, expresses it best: "The coffee was so nice, not bitter like in some other establishments." The friendly staff prides itself on not just serving excellent drinks but also creating an experience. Compliments from Misa Jabami highlight the white chocolate pistachio mocha as a heavenly treat, making The Crafty Fox an ideal spot for a quality cup of coffee and good conversation.

Walking into The Crafty Fox Cafe Bar is a sensory delight. The rustic charm, enhanced by its spacious yet inviting layout, feels like a warm embrace. Guests rave about the combination of cozy booths and well-spaced tables that allow for a relaxed dining experience. Local resident Charlie Culley loves the mindful service: “The service is 10/10, everyone is very polite and accommodating.” This personable touch makes each visit feel special, turning first-timers into regulars.

The ambiance here is perfect for casual meet-ups, whether for brunch with friends or a quiet afternoon with a book and a slice of cake. Indeed, Alex N highlights how welcoming the staff are and how enjoyable their espresso was. All in all, The Crafty Fox Cafe Bar is more than just a cafe; it’s a vibrant community hub where food, drink, and friendship flourish. If you haven’t yet treated yourself to a delightful experience at The Crafty Fox, you’re truly missing out on one of Ipswich’s best-kept secrets.

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Live music
Live performances
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Free water refills
Happy-hour drinks
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

36 Reviews
Simon Betts

20 Sep 2025

What a lovely gem in Ipswich. The coffee was so nice, not bitter like in some other establishments. The food… amazing! We all enjoyed what we chose and I for one, would certainly have the mushrooms on sourdough toast again! I for one will certainly be returning to this gem and would highly recommend it.

Misa Jabami

19 Aug 2025

I LOVE this place! This white chocolate pistachio mocha is my favourite thing to order. It’s gorgeous. The staff are lovely and the owner is wonderful! A lovely, cosy spot to have a quality cup of coffee and a chat! Recommend it a thousand times over! You’re missing out if you don’t pay a visit!

Alex N

02 Aug 2025

A wonderful little hideaway! The staff are outright brilliant and welcoming! The espresso was generous and very enjoyable AND they even offered water. All in all a wonderful place to relax and refuel … I will be back for the cake!

Claire Core

28 Jul 2025

We stopped in for a drink and a bite on a Saturday afternoon, and were very impressed. The welcome was warm, and the place somehow has a charisma. Tables are spaced out so it does not feel crowded, and the booths at the back felt cozy and intimate. A lady I assume is owner/manager took care to make sure things were up to standard, and was very approachable. I had a lovely Parisian martini and a glass of wine. Splitting a bottle would not be too wildly expensive, so we may do that next time. We both had crispy potatoes with truffled mushrooms which was delicious but very rich! Would be fantastic for a low key date, special but relaxed. Grab a booth! Or come here with your dog so they can sample the dog menu :)

David Hunter

15 Jul 2025

Been here a couple of times lately and it is rapidly become one of my favourite spots in Ipswich. The drinks are delicious, the food looks amazing (haven't tried any of it yet), the atmosphere is really nice and relaxed and the staff are incredibly friendly. I genuinely love this place and will be back regularly.

Charlie Culley

07 Jul 2025

I've long thought this part of Ipswich was underutilised and had fantastic potential. Therefore, it's fantastic to see The Crafty Fox open up here and make good use of this potential. The service is 10/10, everyone is very polite and accomodating. The outside seating, whilst simple, is very nice - a great place to have a meal on one of Ipswich's most pretty streets. The interior is spacious and allows for musical performances, a piano sits in the centre of the café. I do think that the inside has not quite lived up to its full potential but it is still a lovely place to be for a drink or a bite to eat. The food was fantastic, I had a brie, honey, and walnut tartine. Whilst it was a tad expensive at £12, you get what you pay for here and the quality was definitely up to snuff. All in all, this is the exact type of place I would love to see more of in Ipswich and I am excited to return, whether that be for food or a drink.

Josh M

04 Jul 2025

Such a lovely relaxed atmosphere, staff were very quick with all our orders. Fresh pastries, rich french cuisine perfect for a lunch, coffee or for a few drinks/games. Spacious but cozy, has real rustic character and charm, can't believe our luck finding this spot. We'll be back again next time we're in the area.

Alan João

23 Jun 2025

Very nice atmosphere any time of day. It's a small little café that serves amazing food and does great drinks for any time of the day or night :)

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