Pump & Grind shuts despite protest from Ipswich community
Pump & Grind, at the corner of Northgate Street and Great Colman Street in Ipswich, which closed in December. - Credit: Archant
The last pint was pulled at an independent Ipswich pub this weekend despite hundreds of people signing a petition against its closure.
Tom Kerridge at Pump & Grind. - Credit: Archant
Pump & Grind in Great Colman Street shut its doors for the final time on Sunday.
Business owner Tom Kerridge and landlord Mitchells & Butlers were unable to reach an agreement over the lease so Mr Kerridge was given just 10 days to pack his stuff and leave.
The 37-year-old said: “Obviously I’m very sad about the closure. I have personally put in a lot of effort into it, and our events have been so successful, it’s such a shame for them to have to suddenly stop. Our food was really starting to take off, too.
“The support and comments we have had since we got the news really has been overwhelming.”
In just one week a petition called Save Pump & Grind attracted almost 1,000 supporters.
The pub staged numerous big-name artists since it opened in April 2015, as well as vintage fairs, poetry nights, culinary pop-ups and dance classes.
Mr Kerridge, who previously ran the Paper Bag Factory, is hoping to continue to entertain the Ipswich community by focusing on his music label, Ramp Recordings, which he started in 2004.
He said: “We have been planning some larger one off events for a while - look out for those from Spring next year.
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“I am also looking at other spaces in Ipswich, but it is difficult finding somewhere with a space that would be suitable to carry on our events with what is currently on the market.
“I’m even looking at some larger spaces outside of the town centre, too. The search continues.”
A spokeswoman for Mitchells & Butlers said it was still hoping to reach an agreement with Mr Kerridge and was continuing conversations with him.
