The Dooley Inn in Felixstowe, Suffolk under new ownership

The Dooley Inn in Ferry Lane has been bought by Colchester businessman Mark Munson and his Canadian partner Jodi Baburger. 

The inn, which has been running as a pub since the late 1800s, has been undergoing a bit of a revamp after the couple took it over. 

Matt and Kelly Sullivan stand outside the Dooley Inn with new owners Mark Munson and Jodi Baburger (right) (Image: Kelly Sullivan)

The couple, who live in British Columbia in Canada, will leave the running of the pub to husband and wife team Matt and Kelly Sullivan, who have been managing the Dooley Inn for the last four years.

The Sullivans are also friends with the new owners.

Mrs Sullivan said: "They're very hands-on and have been doing a lot of the work themselves.

"Our working relationship started as a friendship and it has continued to go from strength to strength.

"Everything Matt and I have done has always been for the benefit of this business, and we want to keep it relevant.

"The pub and restaurant trade has changed since the covid pandemic so it is good to see it owned by a couple with so many ideas about how the pub can continue to grow."

New owners Ms Baburger and Mr Munson are already sprucing the place up after finalising the purchase (Image: Kelly Sullivan)

As the pub is freehold, Ms Baburger and Mr Munson have the freedom to make any changes that they want to the venue. A large garden upgrade is already planned for next spring.

"It's a community pub and one of the few independently owned in the area," added Mrs Sullivan.

"We want our locals to have a say in the changes that we are making, and encourage them to put forward their ideas too."

A launch party is planned from 3pm on Saturday, September 23, where visitors can expect to sample a brand-new cocktail menu, a range of free food samples and a raffle.