See inside revamped Suffolk Punch in Norwich Road in Ipswich

The Suffolk Punch pub in Norwich Road reopens on Friday evening following an interior refresh.

The pub, which has been struggling over the last year, in which is has reopened and closed several times, has now been taken over by Wendy and Mike Smuts.

Inside the Suffolk Punch pub after its renovation (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Inside the Suffolk Punch (Image: Charlotte Bond)

As part of the reopening, the venue has benefitted from a revamp with fresh décor, a plant atrium area and improved seating throughout.

The upgrade has also seen the working fireplace restored.

The new landlords, who are also the team behind Ipswich's Black Horse Inn, are hoping the pub can be a success and part of the community for a long time to come.

L-R: Elsa, Wendy, Simone and Temperance (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Dr Smuts said: "We want to create a place where everyone feels they can come and relax.

"The Punch needs someone to take a risk with it.

"It's a lovely building and hopefully will be a part of the community for a long time to come."

Mrs Smuts added: "We are thrilled to be reopening the Suffolk Punch and starting a new chapter for the pub.

Inside the new Suffolk Punch (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Inside the new Suffolk Punch (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"We, like many other locals, felt it was time for a change at the Suffolk Punch, so we've been hard at work trying to create a fresh new feel to the pub, moving away from the more traditional interior and sports focus it used to have.

"We are very excited to reopen the pub's doors and welcome back our community."

The pub is offering half-price on all draught beer whilst stocks last so that the new landlords are able to bring in new stock that they offer at the Black Horse Inn.

Wendy Smuts with her daughters Elsa and Temperance (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Suffolk Punch has been a struggling pub for the past year (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The couple added: "We are keen to get the pub open so that we can build rapport with the locals and see what they want out of their pub.

"Our approach is community-focused, as we want the Suffolk Punch to be a place for guests to come together in a comfortable and inviting setting, have a chat, create memories and enjoy the venue."

There are plans to launch food once the pub is up and running.

Wendy Smuts and her husband Mike have taken over the pub (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Inside the Suffolk Punch (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Inside the Suffolk Punch (Image: Charlotte Bond)