The historic Black Horse pub near Ipswich town centre has reopened, with new faces behind the bar and wide-ranging live music gigs.

Ipswich Star: James Keegan is now running The Black Horse pub in Ipswich, which has reopened Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNJames Keegan is now running The Black Horse pub in Ipswich, which has reopened Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

New tenants James Keegan and his stepdad, Vince Gorman, are running the pub together with other family members.

The pub, in Black Horse Lane, had been shut since lockdown. Now the new managers are hoping customers will support their local as word of the reopening spreads.

They are holding regular music nights in the garden on Saturdays, which are already proving successful, although numbers have to be limited because of social distancing.

Vince said: “The music nights are going well. We are getting fully booked on Saturday nights for the gigs.”

Ipswich Star: James Keegan behind the bar at the Black Horse pub in Ipswich Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNJames Keegan behind the bar at the Black Horse pub in Ipswich Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

He added the music ends by 10.30 or 11pm to avoid noise problems for neighbours.

In the past, the Black Horse was known as a heavy rock venue, but the new managers said they want to play a wider range of music and appeal to the whole community.

Vince and James posted on the pub’s Facebook page when they took over to welcome customers. They said: “We want to be known as a live music venue where we will organise for different artists to attend which will include soul, reggae, garage, tribute bands, rock and pop, 80s and 90s, everything to try and appeal to as many different music tastes and to attract as many patrons as possible.

“We hope that this gives you an idea of our vision and whilst we know we cannot appeal to everyone all of the time, we trust you will do your best to try and support us as best you can, as your local pub needs you.”

Ipswich Star: James Keegan at the Black Horse pub in Ipswich Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNJames Keegan at the Black Horse pub in Ipswich Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Acts who have appeared so far include Mister H and All or Nothing, with Andre Smith, The Soul Project and Andy Ottley among those set to appear.

In addition to the music, the new tenants are hoping to start serving meals in the future, although this will involve work to the kitchen.

The pub, in Black Horse Lane, has served the town since the 14th century, and is believed to be the oldest of its name in East Anglia.

It is owned by Stonegate, which recently bought the Ei Group plc. Previous tenant Michelle Taft had been planning to leave in May, after submitting notice to end the tenancy agreement in February, following the sudden ill-health of a family member. However, she had to close down earlier due to lockdown and cancel her planned goodbye parties.

Ipswich Star: The historic Black Horse in Ipswich Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe historic Black Horse in Ipswich Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

For more information and updates about the pub, search for The Black Horse Ipswich on Facebook.