FOR nightclub manager Jon Hempstead his new posting is something of a homecoming.After ten years living up north the 28-year-old is returning to the county in which he was born as the new man in charge at Ipswich's Chicago Rock Café.

By Jo Macdonald

By JO MACDONALD

entertainment editor

joanne.macdonald@eveningstar.co.uk

FOR nightclub manager Jon Hempstead his new posting is something of a homecoming.

After ten years living up north, the 28-year-old is returning to the county in which he was born as the new man in charge at Ipswich's Chicago Rock Café.

He is expecting many members of his family and old friends to now take advantage of his new role.

"All my family live in Bury St Edmunds and if they all decide to come to Ipswich for a night out, I'll be looking at a hefty bar bill," Jon joked.

He continued: "My most vivid memory of Ipswich was getting lost there as an eight-year-old. I'd got separated from my mum and was walking around for seven hours before the police found me and reunited us."

Jon left Suffolk in 1993 and in the years since has honed his nightclub skills managing venues in Preston, Burnley, Blackpool, Rochdale and Blackburn. However, he has always looked for an opportunity to return to his roots.

"For the last five years it has been my aim as a nightclub manager to move back to Suffolk because I know what the locals need to have a good night out," added Jon, highlighting his aim to recreate the kind of atmosphere usually seen on the Cheers TV series.

"I want Chicago's to be the kind of place people meet their friends for a beer after work, a bite to eat or simply a great night out."

WEBLINK

www.chicago-rock-cafe.co.uk