Pubs react to Ipswich Town relegation after Newcastle loss

Blues fans have known their fate for several weeks now, but on Saturday, the inevitable was confirmed during a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle.

Things were different at the start of the season, with several pubs citing a huge growth in sales, as fans flocked to the town on matchday and many away supporters came to Suffolk for the first time. 

Now, several pubs say they are happy it's over.

Excitement was at an all-time high for the Blues after they were promoted last year. (Image: Charlotte Bond)Gareth Harper, the owner of Bar 21 in St Nicholas' Street, said: "As a supporter, I am gutted that they have gone down as they were on an extremely inspirational journey. 

"However, it's been a very different season to the last two.

"With there being fewer games and some of the bigger matches being during the week, people haven't been coming out as much for drinks the night before.

"We hope Ipswich will bounce back next season."

Gareth Harper, of Bar Twenty One, says he hopes Ipswich will bounce back next season. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND) Meanwhile, other pubs, which are more reliant on away fans, say relegation will have some downsides. 

Craig Evenden, shift manager at The Station Hotel, said: "The Premier League has been really good for us with the extra allocation for away fans, so we won't be making as much money and we may not need as many staff on, which could be difficult. 

"Saying that, we're not overly concerned as there will still be some massive games and there'll be some more matches, so that should counteract things."

Craig Evenden, shift manager at The Station Hotel in Burrell Road. (Image: Contributed) Some pub landlords also say that the Premier League brought a buzz to the town that the Championship doesn't offer. 

Steven Wells, partner of The Shamrock, added: "We definitely saw a significant uplift when we went into the Premier League, which we will miss.

"The average spend was certainly higher, fans seem to make a weekend of matches.

Joint owners of The Shamrock, Gus Chrysomalis (left) and Steven Wells (right) believe the Premier League has benefited the town. (Image: Lucy Taylor) "You would see them from Thursday to Sunday, and they'd stay here overnight, but with the smaller clubs you don't get that as much.

"Also, the Premier League showed some real interest in our town, such as the documentary they filmed here, which has been great. 

"Yet, even though we are looking downwards rather than upwards now, I think we'll be back and there is still that buzz."