From Debenhams to Zest, Ipswich places lost to time

Some of the most iconic places in Ipswich that shaped childhoods and Saturday morning shopping trips, or even one too many nights out, have been lost over the years.

Can you remember the days of the 'good old Ipswich'?

Lost pubs

Royal Oak

The Royal Oak, in Felixstowe Road(Image: Newsquest)

The Royal Oak, in Felixstowe Road, used to be a very well-known music venue within Ipswich.

It closed in 2014 but reopened as the Oak Cafe community cafe in 2016, and then opened again in 2021 as the Emmaus community hub.

Lloyds Tavern

The former Lloyds Tavern(Image: Lucy Taylor)

Lloyds Tavern, in Lloyds Avenue, closed down in 2010 and was also known for its live music.

Since its closure, the Three Wise Monkeys pub has taken over the building and runs Oktoberfest and music events.

The John Bull

The John Bull, in Woodbridge Road(Image: Newsquest)

Based in Woodbridge Road, The John Bull pub has now been replaced by two businesses, The Ottoman Turkish restaurant and The Golden Fish.

It closed in 2011 after serving the community for years.

Lost shops

Debenhams

Debenhams closed in 2021(Image: Newsquest)

It wouldn't be a 'lost to time' list if Debenhams weren't included.

The shop in Westgate Street closed in 2021 along with stores in Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, and Chelmsford.

The shell of the former department store has stood empty for four years, having been busy on Westgate Street since 1842.

Woolworths

Woolworths kept its sign alight for several days after it closed(Image: Newsquest)

The Woolworths in Ipswich stood in pride and place until it closed in 2008.

After that, it became the discount store Poundland and now, it is the home of Ipswich Bazaar.

BHS

The BHS store stood empty for years(Image: Newsquest)

The BHS branch in Ipswich had moved in the 1990s from Tavern Street to the Buttermarket.

The store closed in 2016 and stood empty until Flannels, Sports Direct, and GAME opened in the former department store late last year.

Lost venues

Cindy's

Cindy's as it was after its closure in 1993(Image: Richard Rackham/Newsquest)

Cindy's was next to the Bethesda Baptist Church in the town centre.

The club closed in the 1990s but will have an Ipswich revival in October as it returns for a night at St Stephen's Church.

First Floor Club

Former Radio London DJ, Kenny Everett, appeared at the First Floor Club(Image: Newsquest)

The First Floor Club in Tacket Street was the place to be from the mid-1960s.

It was hugely popular as it opened seven days a week, leading to queues forming on the stairway leading to the club.

The club then became Fire and Ice until 2010 when it closed.

Zest

Zest nightclub on Princes Street(Image: Newsquest)

First opening in Princes Street as Hollywoods in 1988, the club was later rebranded as Kartouche and then Zest.

The queues formed back over Princes Street bridge as keen club-goers tried to get into the popular venue for themed nights.

It transformed into the Malthouse live music venue after Zest was forced to close in December 2006.

The music venue closed in the 2010s and is now offices.