The original Tolly Cobbold lettering can still be seen on the front of what is now a Tesco Express store in Norwich Road, Ipswich.

Ipswich Star: A band plays live at the Emperor Inn in August 1995A band plays live at the Emperor Inn in August 1995 (Image: Archant)

Prior to the supermarket chain takeover, the Edwardian building at 293 Norwich Road had housed a pub.

Ipswich Star: Staff and customers of the Emperor Inn gather to give money to the Evening Star's Christmas tree appeal in November 1996Staff and customers of the Emperor Inn gather to give money to the Evening Star's Christmas tree appeal in November 1996 (Image: Archant)

The pub dated back 1843 and was known by various monikers over the years including The Maypole, The Rose & Crown and then, in latter years, The Emperor Inn.

Ipswich Star: The Emperor Inn raising and giving money in December 1997The Emperor Inn raising and giving money in December 1997 (Image: Archant)

The Emperor sign is now covered by Tesco banners but the Tolly Cobbold lettering has been retained - similar to the lettering sen at Felixstowe Ferry and Needham Market.

Ipswich Star: Packed out pub garden as the Emperor Inn held their annual fun day in August 1996Packed out pub garden as the Emperor Inn held their annual fun day in August 1996 (Image: Archant)

In recent memory, The Emperor was a popular family pub, hosting summer fun days and live bands.

Ipswich Star: Packed out pub garden as the Emperor Inn held their annual fun day in August 1996Packed out pub garden as the Emperor Inn held their annual fun day in August 1996 (Image: Archant)

The pub was closed by owners Punch Taverns in 2013 and reopened as a Tesco Express store, much to the disgruntlement of former regulars who had campaigned to retain it as a community asset.

Ipswich Star: Packed out pub garden as the Emperor Inn held their annual fun day in August 1996Packed out pub garden as the Emperor Inn held their annual fun day in August 1996 (Image: Archant)

Here we look back at the golden years of the Emperor Inn, on a nostalgic trip to your former local pub.

Ipswich Star: Fun for all ages as the Emperor Inn held their annual fun day in September 1994Fun for all ages as the Emperor Inn held their annual fun day in September 1994 (Image: Archant)

Are you in any of these photos? Share your memories of The Emperor Inn via email

Ipswich Star: Live music was always a feature of the Emperor Inn's annual fun day. This was taken in 1994Live music was always a feature of the Emperor Inn's annual fun day. This was taken in 1994 (Image: Archant)