A NEW restaurant based in the home of a 19th century poet is set to give diners food for thought.

Poets, based at the corner of Elm Street and Arcade Street, Ipswich, has been created by new restaurateur Roland Morris, a property developer who has lived in the town since the 1980s.

Its name – Poets – is a nod to 19th-century author Jean Ingelow who lived in the building for 10 years and has a plaque dedicated to her on the wall outside.

Guests at a launch event included MP Ben Gummer, Ipwich mayor and mayoress John Le Grys and Doreen Aldridge and local business people.

Roland said feedback from the evening had been very positive and he was looking forward to welcoming customers.

“The idea was to have a bit of fun really,” he said. “I think everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Roland decided to take on the new venture last year and has since refurbished the building, which used to be Morgans Wine Bar.

As a well as a bar and restaurant area, Poets also has two function rooms, one that seats 20 to 25 people and another for around 12 diners.

Roland describes the restaurant as “fine dining at a reasonable price” and added that all the dishes are freshly prepared and use local produce where possible.