Mariners 1900

A familiar feature on Ipswich Waterfront formany years, Mariners is run by French chef Julien Jourdain and his wife Karine. Both have been in the catering business for over 15 years, and Julien was previously a partner in the nearby Waterfront Bar Bistro.
First launched in 1899 and commissioned a year later as Belgian gunboat SS Argus, the vessel has survived a WWII sinking and service as a hospital ship. In the early 1970s she began an 18-year stint as a party boat before, in 1990, crossing the North Sea bound for Ipswich and her new role as a restaurant.
Calais-born Julien moved to the town aged 20 and admits that owning Mariners was a long-held ambition. “I fell in love with her the moment I saw her,” he says. “We aim to bring her back to her former glory by offering a more vibrant and contemporary approach, which includes lots of work on the hull and exterior, as well as updating the menu.”
A newly-refurbished upper deck terrace will be the setting for relaxed music, meals and drinks, while a longer-term project will see the original wheelhouse opened up to create a ‘Captain’s Table’ area, along with restoration of the 1920s searchlight. .
Mariners is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. Inside, you’ll find low ceilings, deck-style flooring and contemporary furnishings along with well-polished wood and deck fittings that soak up the conversation and evoke intimacy.
The restaurant is renowned as a place for celebrations and special occasions, but with set menu lunch prices starting at £15.95 per person for two courses and dinner at £17.95, you don’t have to push the boat out to dine here.
Every dish is a visual delight and there are lots of French favourites to choose from – mussels, snails and camembert all feature on the starters list – while mains choices range from Polenta to seabass, steak, seafood skewers and pork belly. Pay a little more and there’s a mouthwatering menu of desserts; the Crème Brulee is divine!
An extensive wine list complements every dish and all bottles are available to order and take home, or to your boat, at a £10 discount. Do ask the serving staff for recommendations – they’re knowledgeable, attentive and happy to check with chef Julien if allergies or intolerances are a concern.