Ipswich: Stress forces brewery boss to close... and give up beer

A MICRO brewery owner today revealed he has closed down his two pubs and will stop making beer because of poor health and tough competition from supermarkets.

Frank Walsh first opened up St Jude’s Brewery with his wife, Colleen, in 2006 – the pair operated out of their home in Cardigan Street, Ipswich, where they produced a number of different real ales.

After seeing a high demand for the beers they were making, they decided to open up their first pub in Ipswich in February last year, which was followed by a further pub in Felixstowe in December.

Despite seeing a great deal of success, Mr Walsh revealed the business had taken its toll on him and Colleen and they are pleased to have finished St Jude’s.

He said: “We started seeing a drop in trade during the middle of the week.

“I actually don’t drink beer any more because I associate it with stress.

“I just thought enough is enough, there’s just too much against us. It’s just gloomy and I’m glad we got out now.

“I think the age of the pub is coming to an end.”

As well as stiff competition from supermarkets, brewers are also facing a challenging time following a rise in duty for brewers and Mr Walsh believes there will be more pubs and brewers who will be forced to close in the near future.

“It’s a tough game,” added Mr Walsh.

“We’re just relaxing now and trying to get our breaths back and live a simple life for a while. We have been under such a lot of stress.”

? What are your thoughts on the closure of St Jude’s Brewery? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, IP4 1AN, or alternatively you can send an e-mail to starletters@archant.co.uk