Work still underway on Inkerman pub in Norwich Road

The Inkerman on Norwich Road is undergoing a full internal and external renovation in the hope of reopening at some point soon.

The business was taken over by Simon Musk last year with the hope it would reopen by Christmas, but was held up by power issues.

Mr Musk, director of London-based Musk Pubs and Bars, is from Diss in Norfolk, and has experience in taking over disused pubs for their reopening.

He said: "The reopening was held up due to issues with UK Power Network, which we have now rectified.

The Inkerman in Ipswich, pictured in 2011 (Image: Su Anderson)

"We are now moving forward and hoping to have generators on site this week to continue with works.

"Our plans are as they were, and nothing has changed. Everything is ready to go, but it's just a matter of getting it done now.

"We would rather take our time and get it right rather than rush things and have to come back in a few years' time and deal with other issues."

The pub was put up for sale in 2022 by previous owner Admiral Taverns, which was selling the venue with vacant possession after the previous tenants decided to leave the trade.

The plan includes a major refurbishment of both the inside and outside of the venue, as well as turning the rooms upstairs into overnight accommodation.

Simon Musk (Image: Newsquest)

The pub would "potentially" be renamed, but would still be a drinking community pub, showing Sky Sports with darts, a pool table, live entertainment and possibly an outdoor takeaway service.

Mr Musk said last year that the refurbishment would take place in two stages - the pub area first, followed by altering the flat upstairs into a bed and breakfast.

The empty pub features an open plan bar, carvery unit, patio courtyard, and barn unit which Mr Musk says may be used for a takeaway service, as well as four-bedroom accommodation.