Ed Sheeran gigs to rename Ipswich pub into Old Phone

Throughout the weekend of July 11, 12 and 13, the Thomas Wolsey in St Peter's Street will transform into the Old Phone in honour of Sheeran - who will be performing at Portman Road on those days. 

Damon Jeffery, the owner of the Thomas Wolsey, changed the name of the pub to the Old Phone following a performance at the venue by the Framlingham-raised singer in May. 

Damon Jeffery, the landlord of the Thomas Wolsey/The Old Phone (Image: Newsquest)

The Old Phone is the name of one of Sheeran's songs from his newest album, Play, which is set for release later this year. 

Read more: Ed Sheeran turns Thomas Wolsey pub into Old Phone in Ipswich

Mr Jeffery said: "We are excited to become the Old Phone again, and we are going all out on what should be a party weekend.

"Not only will all the branding be returning to the front, but the posters will return and we will have some of the Star Wars stuff from the May 4 gig behind the bar. 

Ed Sheeran performed at the pub on May 4, days after announcing the Portman Road gigs (Image: Shikhar Talwar) "Just like the [Fabio Wardley] fight at Portman Road, it should be an amazing boost for the town with a great atmosphere and we are just looking forward to painting the town pink."

Over the weekend, the Old Phone will also serve a limited edition menu featuring Sheeran's hot sauce brand Tingly Ted's, which will feature on pizzas and in dip served with potato smiley faces. 

'The Old Phone' sign outside the Thomas Wolsey pub (Image: Shikhar Talwar)

As well as food, those who have tickets to one of the shows will also get two Old Phone coasters which had been given to the pub by Sheeran's management team. 

The Thomas Wolsey pub (Image: Fleurets)

The pub will also remain open for longer than usual and will have bands playing before and after the Portman Road gigs, with a gallery of about 100 photos from the May gig upstairs for fans to enjoy.