IPSWICH: Pubs up and down the country are closing down – but one new venue in town is today preparing to buck the trend and pull in the punters.

With the barrels of beers displayed behind the rustic-style bar, the finishing touches are currently being made to a new pub which is sure to whet the appetite of ale-lovers across the town.

Staff at St Jude’s Brewery have been busy transforming the former Olan Mills photography studio in St Matthew’s Street into their first inn – St Jude’s Brewery Tavern.

The brewery in Cardigan Street was established in 2006 and has since gone from strength to strength.

Frank Walsh, who runs St Jude’s with partner Colleen Seymour, said he was sure the new venture would be a similar success.

“We wanted somewhere near to the brewery. It’s still got a nice part of the town feel to it and hopefully we can make it even better.”

Colleen said that it was a very exciting time for the town.

She said: “The site is just perfect for us, it has so much character and it almost looks like an old London pub or tavern - it has a great feel.

“We are just at the finishing touches stage now and are getting set for the big opening.

“I think that the thing I love most about the bar is just its feel, it’s not like any other pub in the area.

“Our main aim has been to create something with a really nice atmosphere.”

The building needed structural work and a great deal of interior refurbishment.

St Jude’s Brewery opened in 2006 and current production is 60 firkins (one firkin is the equivalent of nine gallons) of beer a week – but, with the new bar set to open on Friday, beer production is set to go through the roof.

The pub industry has endured a tough few years – a period in which dozens of bars have pulled their last pints and called time.

But the couple believe their new venture is safeguarded by the fact they produce their own ale.

Ms Seymour added: “It is a difficult time for pubs, but we have our own brewery so it doesn’t really affect us – in fact it is a very exciting time.”

St Jude’s Brewery Tavern will open at noon on Friday, with a range of festivities on offer including acoustic folk music.

For more information about St Jude’s Brewery visit www.stjudes brewery.co.uk

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