Ipswich Emperor

The Emperor is under threat of redevelopment. Please see message below from Ipswich & East Suffolk Camra Pubs officer Phil Hastie about how you can help save it.

Tesco has told the Guardian, "We are taking on derelict or vandalised pubs, not those which are still actively trading, and for all sorts of reasons those pubs were not successful. We go into communities and ask people what they want and how we can deliver that." They have yet to explain how this applies in this case.

Punch Taverns have decided to close the pub even earlier than intended, in April 2013. A nice slap in the face for the publican and customers.

Real wood fire. Three large leather sofas and non-smoking since mid-2006. Real Ale is sometimes served on gravity. A Mild is always available (usually Ansells). Pub food available including some vegetarian options.

Was built as a multi-roomed pub but now has a split level main bar with various drinking areas.

Outside covered area for smokers. Steel Quoit beds and teams in back garden. Pool table, dart board, shove ha'penny in bar. Beer garden and seated patio area.

As you are no doubt aware there has been a lot of speculation recently over the future of The Emperor. Hopefully this will provide you with the latest news and how we can all help to try and keep it open.

The good news is that it will remain open until at least Christmas. However, it is still under threat of closure, be it from a developer or a supermarket. For those who are not aware, The Emperor has been in the community since 1843. It is a meeting place for groups (such as the Broomhill Pool Trust), is home to darts, part of pool and quiz leagues, and the ONLY Ipswich venue for Steel Quoits. It has a large area at the rear, suitable for families, plus also a function room available. Like a lot of local pubs it also holds charity and fundraising events.

So what can we do to help to try and save this pub from closure? There are a few things that we can do:

Email Punch at disposals@punchtaverns.com and let them know that you want a community pub. Also get your friends to do so.

It has a Facebook page.

It also has a website.

You can email them on savetheemperor@virginmedia.com.