Suffolk Punch in Ipswich Norwich Road could reopen in the coming weeks

A prominent pub in Ipswich will be reborn with cheaper drinks and aims to bring the best of the town to the table, according to those behind its reopening.

The Suffolk Punch, in Norwich Road, which closed down in mid-May, could reopen in the coming weeks.

New tenants for the local have been found, and work is ongoing to upgrade facilities inside, such as the sound system, TVs and bar equipment.

A backer behind the pub, who wished to remain anonymous, said the Suffolk Punch will come under the management of a husband-and-wife team.

He revealed he wanted to make food and drinks as cheap as possible – including keeping beers below £3.50 – and would be working with local companies, such as a nearby butchers and another town firm which makes blinds.

The backer said: “We took a look at the cost-of-living crisis and wanted to offer something that won’t break the bank. Pubs are supposed to be places of release, where people can get away from the troubles of life with strangers.

“We hope it will become a real community hub. There are only a few pubs in the area. We hope to work with charities and fundraisers, and these organisations are welcome to approach the pub.

“We also want to turn it into a traditional British pub. There’ll be darts, there’ll be good food, there’ll be sports on TV.

“Our aim is to have it back up and running within three to four weeks to offer people a nice surprise when they walk through the door.”

The pub is no longer boarded up, and a sign on the door said The Suffolk Punch was to be ‘reborn’.

The team are currently recruiting bar staff, managers and a ‘good home cook’ with whom they can create a solid menu.

The Suffolk Punch, which is also a grade-II listed building, has closed several times in the past few years, including in 2020.

It is owned by pub giant Stonegate.

The firm has been approached for comment.