Ipswich vegan restaurant Hank’s Dirty saved days after closure announced

Two members of staff have saved a vegan restaurant in a Suffolk town days after its closure was announced.

Earlier this week, Hank’s Dirty, closed its eateries in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Norwich and Colchester following five years of business.

Bosses shared a statement on Wednesday explaining all Hank's, except in Cambridge, would immediately cease trading after they were left ‘in a bankrupt situation’ by an investment which was promised in early May but hadn't arrived.

However, two members of staff named Shaun and Elora revealed on social media they had saved the Ipswich branch.

A statement on Facebook said: "Ipswich Hank's is back. After the devastating news of Hank's closing we (Shaun and Elora) have decided to take on Hank's Dirty in Ipswich.

"After both of us working for Hank's for the last four plus years we aren't ready to watch it leave. It has been a pleasure working for Geoff and Phil for the last few years and we have learned a lot.

"We have also worked with some great people who have helped build Hank's reputation over the years and we hope to keep that going.

"So from this Sunday we will be open as usual. Please come down and show your support - we look forward to seeing you all.”

The news was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from customers and Shaun and Elora took to social media again to show their appreciation.

The statement said: “Wow. We would just like to say a massive thank you for all the support we have received after yesterday's post.

“We are so excited to carry on the Hanks name, and it's so great to see the amount of love and kindness that we have received.”

Geoffrey Bligh and Phil Rivers first opened Hank’s Dirty as a takeaway in 2019, before expanding into a regional restaurant chain.