An independent bar, smokehouse and restaurant, The Forge is forged with passion, if you'll pardon the pun. A short walk from Ipswich's waterfront and its busy marina, The Forge is housed in a former electricity sub-station. The restaurant is enchanting, decorated with Steampunk themed finds and just oozing with curiosity. In fact, it's said that where there is smoke, fire and steam lies mystery – who knows what you’ll find.
The menu at The Forge is simple yet its dishes contain plenty of flavour. You can visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all that lies in between. The nacho fan begins the menu, and is a great dish to share, either topped with BBQ pulled pork or jackfruit, with guacamole, nacho cheese, chillies and crispy onions. The Forge flavours are tapas style small bowls and plates that are perfect to share, just order a few. On the list is honey goat's cheese with flaked almonds and sourdough, patatas bravas with pink aioli, sticky beef bites, buffalo cauliflower wings and sausage and chorizo from the smoker.
Bertram's burgers are where the main event kicks off. All burgers are pressed on site, to order, and come with skin on fries. Bertram's brisket is made up of two smashed beef patties with American cheese, smoked brisket, smoked back bacon, American mustard, pickled onions and inside of a sesame brioche bun. The pancake porker is a little different to most burgers, and comes with maple and bacon jam, smoked back bacon and a fluffy American style pancake. The vegan big Jack doesn't compromise on flavour, with a Moving Mountains B12 patty, soy and syrup jackfruit, umami mayo, applewood vegan cheese and with garlic mushroom.