Sold-out event to mark one year of popular Ipswich bar

Bar Twenty One on St Nicholas Street has gone from strength to strength since opening on October 30, 2021.

"Business is booming," said owner Gareth Harper. 

Business has been booming, said Gareth (Image: Bar Twenty One)

"We've had some ups and downs - as is the nature of the industry - but being open for a year, particularly in this climate, is a huge milestone for us.

"We want to thank everyone who has supported us - especially the Ipswich Town fans who come here pre-match. They are a huge part of our customer base."

Sadly, the bar lost one of its most popular figures last month when Sean Watkins, who had been general manager of the bar from day one, died on Friday, September 16. 

Mr Watkins was a much-loved and well-respected figure across the entirety of the town's bar and restaurant community.

"Everyone loved Sean," said Gareth.

"He had been with us from day one and was such a popular member of staff.

"He was helping us to organise Sunday's celebrations and we want to carry it on in his name.

"It's an opportunity for us all to remember him."

As a tribute to Mr Watkins, 50% of the proceeds raised from ticket sales will be donated the mental health charity Samaritans.

The event will start with a DJ set at 1pm which will then be followed by an Oasis tribute act at 3pm. 

It is then expected to run late into the night.

Gareth is now looking to build on a fantastic year of business (Image: Newsquest)

Looking forward, Gareth - who describes himself as "Ipswich born and bred" - hopes to build on the successes the bar has seen in the last 12 months.

He said: "We're definitely looking to expand.

"We recently overhauled our food menu to serve the award winning 'Burgers, Wings and Ribs' so we're always looking at new ideas.

"It's been a fantastic year of business and we're now focussed on building on everything we've achieved."