It will be another fresh start for an Ipswich pub after a decision was taken by its current owners to step back.

The team behind the Suffolk Punch in Norwich Road announced on social media that they were looking for someone to take over the pub.

The pub has had a rocky 12 months, closing three times and being taken over four times.

 Wendy and Mike Smuts, the team behind the Black Horse Inn in Ipswich, have been running the pub since February.

Inside the punch when it reopened in FeburaryInside the punch when it reopened in Feburary (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Over the past six months, they have served customers food, including roast dinners, and redecorated the entire interior of the pub with a plant atrium area, improved seating, fresh décor and restoration to the fire place.

Dr Mike Smuts said: "We were running two pubs and because we live at the Black Horse, we are there all the time and can see what needs to be done.

"With the Suffolk Punch, we weren't around enough to stay on top of everything, so we would rather focus on one pub and make it brilliant than two pubs that don't look as good.

"The customers deserve better that that.

"We changed the Suffolk Punch quite dramatically when we went in. It's a gentle pub now and it's right for someone to come in and take over.

"It's incredibly sad but hopefully the pub will go to someone who can spend their time and effort on it."

Chef Adam with his parnter Shannon either side of owner Wendy SmutsChef Adam with his partner Shannon either side of owner Wendy Smuts (Image: Paul Geater)

Along with this, The 6th Course, the team behind the kitchen at the pub, also announced they were moving on and ceasing food in the building.

The statement reads: "As of today food will no longer be served at the Suffolk Punch unfortunately due to a change of circumstances which some of you may be aware of."

Chef Adam Perkins and his partner Shannon said: "We would like to thank everyone who supported us and all our regulars.

"We've absolutely loved serving you all our roast dinners and loved the amazing feedback from every customer."

The current owners are to stay at the pub until the start of September.

An Abba Tribute night is planned at the Suffolk Punch on August 30.