Ipswich Town promotion: Town pubs gear up for busy Saturday

Ipswich Town need one point against all-but relegated Huddersfield at Portman Road on Saturday to secure promotion to the Premier League.

But it is not just the boost to businesses in Ipswich and millions in revenue for the club itself, business leaders say the club is helping to drive forward possible investment opportunties from government and investors abroad. 

Paul Simon from Suffolk Chamber of Commerce says the results over the last two years has allowed them to talk up other aspects of life and show "the extraordinary potential of Ipswich and Suffolk as a national commercial powerhouse".

It has meant the chamber has been able to speak to officials on securing a "fair share" of funding for much-needed road, rail, mobile, education and skills investment.  

Mr Simon added: "Ipswich Town’s considerable investment and on-pitch achievements over the last couple of years have helped tip the wider narrative about the town and county into positive territory. The feel-good factor is tangible.

"As a result, the Ipswich and Suffolk brand has been increasingly associated with success.

"The benefits to local businesses from the Club’s extraordinary couple of seasons extend well beyond the county’s thousands of football fans and demonstrates the shared identity and sense of place across Suffolk.

"There is the ongoing and very welcome boost to pubs and restaurants both in Ipswich and elsewhere during match days."

Around the town excitement is building as pubs are preparing themselves.

Gareth Harper, co-owner of Bar Twenty One is expecting a party (Image: Tom Cann)

Gareth Harper, co-owner of Bar Twenty One, said: "We are super excited for the weekend and we have put our flags up in preparation.

"On Saturday, we open at 9am and are serving free bacon rolls to everyone to say thank you for their support.

"If we win, which hopefully we do, we are expecting a full on party all day.

"We will be carrying on the celebrations all over the bank holiday weekend with DJs throughout.

The Town is expected to be a carnival atmosphere (Image: Tom Cann)

"We’d like to say a massive special thanks to everyone who supports Bar Twenty One pre and post match, we really do appreciate it."

MORE: 5 of the best pubs to watch Ipswich Town's promotion battle

Tristan Finbow, of Isaacs on the Quay, added: "With Ipswich Town on the brink of Premier League promotion, the town is buzzing, and so are we.

"Last year, we saw the entire community come together to celebrate, and we're ready for a repeat performance.

"We're expecting a busy weekend, so we ask all our valued patrons to be mindful of the venue and our hardworking staff who will be putting in long hours to ensure everyone has a fantastic time.

Isaacs on the Quay (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"We will be open from 8am for breakfast and our bars will open from 9am.

"For those not attending the game at Portman Road we will be televising the game with sound around the whole venue.

"We will also have a family zone set up for families and those wanting a slightly calmer area to enjoy the match. We are not taking table bookings so advise customers to get here early to ensure the best experience."

Vanessa Clarke and Daniel Lightfoot from The Greyhound have made plans for the day, developing a new cocktail named after Kieran McKenna, and the pub will be decorated blue and white.

Vanessa Clarke and Daniel Lightfoot at The Greyhound (Image: Tom Cann)

The pub is opening at 9.30am on Saturday, and they have doubled the number of staff to work.

Vanessa said: "We're all behind the football club and hope they can secure the 1 point they need.  

"It has been a fantastic season, our customers have given us so much support and to end the season with promotion would be incredible.

"From a personal point of view from Dan, he's been a season ticket holder for many years.

The scene from last year's promotion day (Image: The Greyhound)

"He’s been loyal through the good times and the bad, and as a reward, the team have ensured that after the game he won’t be working and will hopefully be celebrating promotion with his friends, family and customers."

Jacey's Coffee House will also be opening earlier for pre-match breakfasts, taking to Facebook to post: "Gearing up for a blue and white weekend, it's been 22 years since Premiership football came to Ipswich, so best of luck to our Tractor Boys."

Ipswich Town has had a huge influence on the town since their turn of fortunes (Image: Tom Cann)

Arcade Tavern are also getting ready after being "a little caught off guard" last year with the amount of beer sold.

Arcade Tavern in Ipswich turning blue for the club (Image: Arcade Street Tavern)

They will have a DJ outside on the roof and both bars will be open.

Managing director Ross Keough said: "With this the most important game for over 20 years and it's no wonder the anticipation is high, it's the only thing customers have been talking about all week.

"We expect this Saturday to be absolutely bonkers before and particularly after, as long as the blues deliver that all important point we need."

Steven Wells, owner of Shamrock, added: "Promotion is within touching distance. If it's done, Ipswich will probably have the biggest party it has seen in many years.

"The club is doing so much good for the town, not just for the fans but for businesses.

"It's meant to be a hot day Saturday too so we will be giving free bottles of water out to those who want one to help them keep hydrated and make sure their voices are ready for chanting."