Has Mariner's restaurant in the Ipswich Waterfront closed?

Mariners, based in a boat in Neptune's Quay along the waterfront have "chosen to take a break" after the festive period with the staff and menu currently serving at their sister restaurant nearby.

No date has yet been given for the reopening of the restaurant after the festive period.

Mariner's is moored outside of Waterfront House on the Ipswich Waterfront (Image: Lucy Taylor)

The restaurant is not currently taking bookings but said that many of "their classic dishes" can be found at the Bistro on the Quay, opposite to where Mariner's is moored.

They said: "We’ve chosen to take a break after the festive season to regroup and plan next steps. During this time, our chefs, front-of-house team, and many of our classic dishes can be found at the Bistro on the Quay.

"We’re currently not taking bookings until we can confirm a firm date, and all existing vouchers will continue to be honoured at the Bistro on the Quay."

Bistro on the Quay is found opposite Mariner's (Image: Lucy Taylor)

The boat was originally commissioned by in 1900 for use by the Belgian state, before finding its home in Ipswich.

Previously serving Italian cuisine, a rebrand in 2009 saw the boat adopt the name Mariners with a reimagined seasonal menu focussing on French bistro cuisine.

Dishes include baked camembert served with a baguette, chicken supreme with pan-fried wild mushrooms and Crème Brûlée for dessert.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Mariner's is the most romantic restaurant in Ipswich according to travel review page TripAdvisor.

It comes amongst a period of change along the Ipswich Waterfront, with restaurants and cafes along the historic area of town closing their doors or selling up.

The Waterfront Bistro, which has been up for sale for some time, recently lowered its asking price.

Meanwhile, the Grazing Sheep announced its closure at the start of the year.