7 Suffolk pubs to reopen with new landlords in 2022

Here are seven great boozers that have been taken over by new owners or licensees in 2022.

Bar A to Z, Ipswich

The team behind Bar A to Z in Ipswich (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Formerly known as the Pump & Grind live music pub, this venue in Ipswich's Great Colman Street has been revamped as Bar A to Z.

Hasan Demaj and Jay Deverell are the landlords who have brought this well-known pub back to life.

Royal Oak, Stowmarket

Jerome Bernard, licensee of the Royal Oak in Stowmarket (Image: Greene King Pub Partners)

This Stowmarket town centre pub was shut for more than two years before it was taken over by licensee Jerome Bernard.

Greene King, which owns the freehold of the property, revealed £320,000 had been invested for a refurb to create a "truly stunning" pub.

Old Chequers, Friston

Jim Rowbotham took over the Old Chequers in Friston with his partner Maddie back in the spring, with the couple incorporating their love of music by staging regular live gigs in the pub since taking over.

Dave Newton, the chef who worked for the previous landlords, also stayed at the pub.

Ye Olde Bell & Steelyard, Woodbridge

Woodbridge's Ye Olde Bell & Steelyard is one of the country's oldest pubs (Image: Ye Olde Bell & Steelyard)

This Woodbridge pub is believed to be the 12th oldest in the country and has been given a fresh lease of life under new owners.

Brothers Matt and Dan Smith grew up in Woodbridge and have now completed their dream of owning a pub in the town.

Royal Oak, East Bergholt

Holly Robinson behind the bar of the Royal Oak in East Bergholt (Image: Holly Robinson)

Holly Robinson said the Royal Oak in East Bergholt had "such potential" when she took charge in March.

The new landlord said: "It's like my dream house and dream pub rolled into one."

White Hart, Boxford

Spectre Leisure has taken the reins at the White Hart in Boxford, near Sudbury, and revealed plans to open the pub by the end of December.

Tony Bayliss, chief executive officer at Spectre Leisure, revealed he decided to take over the White Hart while he was enjoying a drink in the Maldon Grey, another of the company's pubs in Sudbury.

The Swan, Worlingworth

Outside the Swan pub in Worlingworth (Image: Newsquest)

The Swan had called its last orders in 2015, but first-time pub owners Tom and Emma Royall have brought it back after a seven-year closure.

The couple hope to pair the Swan with their farm shop, with plans to start serving food at some point next year.