The Nutshell

Pub · Bury St Edmunds

The Nutshell

Pub · Bury St Edmunds

3

17 The Traverse, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1BJ, United Kingdom

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The Nutshell by David on Flickr (Creative Commons)
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The Nutshell by David on Flickr (Creative Commons)
The Nutshell by Alexander Baxevanis on Flickr (Creative Commons)
The Nutshell by Alexander Baxevanis on Flickr (Creative Commons)
The Nutshell by greggc80 (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nutshell by Stephen Fulljames on Flickr (Creative Commons)
The Nutshell by greggc80 (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Nutshell by null
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The Nutshell by null
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The Nutshell by null
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The Nutshell by null
The Nutshell by null
The Nutshell by null
The Nutshell by null
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The Nutshell by null
The Nutshell by null
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Highlights

Smallest pub in Britain, unique memorabilia, friendly locals  

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17 The Traverse, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1BJ, United Kingdom Get directions

thenutshellpub.co.uk

£1–10

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17 The Traverse, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1BJ, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 1284 764867
thenutshellpub.co.uk

£1–10

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Last updated

Aug 31, 2025

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@atlasobscura

The Best British Pubs to Get Drunk on History

"Located on a picture perfect English street corner, the self-proclaimed “smallest pub in Britain” is a cozy little watering hole that was once home to museum of sorts that showcased all manner of trinket and oddity, the legacy of which can still be seen today.  Like many English pubs, the building that houses the historic bar dates back over a century. The pub itself likely dates back to 1867 when the former owner, a fruit seller, sold the space. After that the little storefront officially became The Nutshell in 1873. At first they called themselves a “museum of art and curiosities,” displaying everything from rare musical instruments to war relics. They also held a collection of models of local buildings and landmarks all made of cork. The space quickly moved into being primarily a bar after not long despite its cramped size. The little bar consists solely of a single short bar that takes up a large portion of the central room. The rest of the small room has just enough room for patrons to stand or sit in the window wells. The bar still gets packed near to bursting on busy nights with the small crowd threatening to spill out into the street. One of the few remnants of the bar’s former life as a curio museum is the desiccated corpse of what seems to be a cat that clings to the light fixture overhead." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/the-best-british-pubs-to-get-drunk-on-history
View Postcard for The Nutshell
@atlasobscura

19 Pubs Around the World Perfect for a Pint

"Located on a picture perfect English street corner, the self-proclaimed “smallest pub in Britain” is a cozy little watering hole that was once home to museum of sorts that showcased all manner of trinket and oddity, the legacy of which can still be seen today.  Like many English pubs, the building that houses the historic bar dates back over a century. The pub itself likely dates back to 1867 when the former owner, a fruit seller, sold the space. After that the little storefront officially became The Nutshell in 1873. At first they called themselves a “museum of art and curiosities,” displaying everything from rare musical instruments to war relics. They also held a collection of models of local buildings and landmarks all made of cork. The space quickly moved into being primarily a bar after not long despite its cramped size. The little bar consists solely of a single short bar that takes up a large portion of the central room. The rest of the small room has just enough room for patrons to stand or sit in the window wells. The bar still gets packed near to bursting on busy nights with the small crowd threatening to spill out into the street. One of the few remnants of the bar’s former life as a curio museum is the desiccated corpse of what seems to be a cat that clings to the light fixture overhead." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/pubs-around-the-world
View Postcard for The Nutshell
@atlasobscura

The Nutshell Pub – Bury Saint Edmunds, England - Gastro Obscura

"Located on a picture perfect English street corner, the self-proclaimed “smallest pub in Britain” is a cozy little watering hole that was once home to museum of sorts that showcased all manner of trinket and oddity, the legacy of which can still be seen today. Like many English pubs, the building that houses the historic bar dates back over a century. The pub itself likely dates back to 1867 when the former owner, a fruit seller, sold the space. After that the little storefront officially became The Nutshell in 1873. At first they called themselves a “museum of art and curiosities,” displaying everything from rare musical instruments to war relics. They also held a collection of models of local buildings and landmarks all made of cork. The space quickly moved into being primarily a bar after not long despite its cramped size. The little bar consists solely of a single short bar that takes up a large portion of the central room. The rest of the small room has just enough room for patrons to stand or sit in the window wells. The bar still gets packed near to bursting on busy nights with the small crowd threatening to spill out into the street. One of the few remnants of the bar’s former life as a curio museum is the desiccated corpse of what seems to be a cat that clings to the light fixture overhead. None" - t tcvarlh, aneutraldisaster, saintdino1963, Gavin, alleywaykid, GYO, g greggc80, s saintdino1963, greggc80

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-nutshell-pub-bury-saint-edmunds-england
View Postcard for The Nutshell

Michael D. Scott

Google
I didn't plan to come to, purportedly Britain's smallest pub, it was just a navigation marker en route to find the lift for the Wetherspoons at the Corn Exchange. Anyway I popped in, only to discover their soft drink and non-alcoholic beer options are severely limited. Plus I couldn't pay for my lemonade with my phone. 'Anything under £5 needs to be cash' the American woman tending the bar announced. So I departed. At least, as she said, I got the photos.

Allison Bowers

Google
We had an amazing experience at The Nutshell! This pub is legendary. Do not miss this one. Friendly staff and great beer!

Brian Messineo

Google
Obviously since it is small, seating can get tight but it is a good place to grab a beer and sit outside and people watch. Bartender was very nice!!!

Francesco Xodo

Google
This is the smallest pub in Great Britain with an area of just above one hundred square feets. The walls and the ceiling are full of strange furnishings, including banknotes from many different countries and a cage with a mummified cat. An absolute must vist when in Bury St Edmunds.

David Swanson

Google
They brag about being the smallest pub, but they have the warmest atmosphere. Because it is so small you get the chance to interact with everyone and everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The landlord and patrons were the perfect ambassadors for the area. They provided insight to the local sights. Don't be put off by the small size as they do have outside seating and the character of the place makes it a great place to visit

John Peacock

Google
Wonderful little pub barmaid and regulars very friendly and make you feel welcome

Alex

Google
Paul/Mike barman was really nice and it was a pleasure to meet you. Beer was good and the wine list extensive, (funny joke). Thanks for a good few hours and good music!

Yantha Batangtaris

Google
Was visiting a good friend to Diss, I came from Jakarta Indonesia. She mentioned this smallest pub when we were passing by after had our lunch around the area. Thought it was a unique pub and looked at inside from the window, they are full. I had a chance to take a pic from the outside, and one with us in it. Small and beautiful pub😍😊. When there is a chance to come to England again, definitely will try to go in. 03 Jan 2025 #thankslala🥰
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Lenora S.

Yelp
Would post more photos, but they wouldn't do it justice. (AIE) Smallest pub in the UK. The place to try if you want the following: Boisterous conversation with people you just met. From the door to the bar, 2 steps. Almost no where to sit and you love that. Walls of things to look at....which strikes up more conversation. Seeing how many people you can squeeze into one small closet. Been by a few times in the short time I've been here. One drink or five; This is a good time, every time. Note: bathroom is on the 3rd floor, stairs to the left of the bar. (American in England)
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Joe G.

Yelp
This was a must. Last weekend we were in The Brazen Head in Dublin, Ireland which is known as the oldest bar in Ireland, founded in 1138. And The Nutshell is known as tje smallest bar in the UK. Worth a vist for a pint for sure, if there is room.
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Jenny B.

Yelp
When in Bury, you must go to the Nutshell. If you're visiting from out of town, this pub will make you truly feel like you're in London. It's your neighborhood pub, but it's small- London's tiniest pub to be exact. They serve beer and spirits, but cash only! No worries- There's a ATM across the street in case you're short on cash. At the Nutshell, everyone becomes your friend. Start small talk. For heck sake it's tiny enough! You never know who you might meet! Drink- Mingle- and Cheers!
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Tim L.

Yelp
Small size Big hearts! We spent time there having a pint and listening to the local color.
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Misty R.

Yelp
Known for being the smallest pub, l had to check it out. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. There is seating although not much. Beer choices are limited but honestly it's a cool place. It's worth stopping in and having a pint. The bartender was nice and helpful.
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Erin B.

Yelp
Most of the time this place is packed, but when you randomly walk by during off hours you'll get this place all to yourself! The place is packed with things to check out even though it's tiny. Don't miss the decaying cat hanging from the ceiling. It's cool just to stop and relax for a pint after shopping or before you head out for a night on the town. When the weather is nice the doors stay open and you can relax and enjoy the few times the sun is out while watching the people go by outside.
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Vicky W.

Yelp
The people and staff are incredible! Atmosphere is amazing and even though it's small and sometimes crowded it's one of the best places I've been!
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James B.

Yelp
This pub gets 5 stars just on the cool factor, alone. It may be the smallest pub in the UK but it's atmosphere is gigantic. Did I mention there is a dead cat and a human foot hanging from the ceiling? Stop by if you can get in, you won't be disappointed.
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Dwaipayan A.

Yelp
Smallest pub in the UK. Really tiny, but cosy. Could almost be mistaken for a hole in the wall café! Hate to say this, but they sell good Greene King beer and ale.
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Richard M.

Yelp
Let's face facts here people. Who would knowingly miss the chance to enjoy a pint in England's smallest pub? Yes, it's a gimmick, but, thankfully, it doesn't rely on it for custom. Once you get through the door, it seems like any other small, orderly pub and the Greene King IPA is as or more delicious here than anywhere else in this town (where you can't swing a dessicated dead cat without hitting a Greene King pub).
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Daryl J.

Yelp
Went there on recommendation from friend and thought it was a brilliant "little" pub nice and friendly and good beer . Lots of culture and history behind it and staff happy to tell you all about it !! Great place

Qype User (Sherif…)

Yelp
You couldn't swing a kitten* in here but then The Nutshell does trade on being the smallest pub in Britain. I found it very friendly and the beer was good. Well worth a visit. *Note to animal lovers: I wouldn't hurt our feline friends. The true derivation of the original phrase relates to outdated naval disciplinary methods and the often cramped conditions on ships.
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Qype User (MissBe…)

Yelp
Who'd have thought there'd be so much to write about the smallest pub in Britain? Quirky doesn't even touch the sides when describing it- memorabilia from all over the world bedecks every square inch, adding to the eccentric feel of the 17th/18th century building. The locals are friendly (as they'd have to be in a pub that size), rubbing shoulders (literally) with the ever-present off duty US airmen. The quality of the company makes up for the limited range of beers.
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Qype User (Hairy…)

Yelp
The smallest pub in Britain I believe, and always included in town tours and treasure hunts! I've been in a couple of times and have always found it friendly if a little cramped (but what can you expect!) Well worth going in just for the novelty value.