A popular pub has been named Ipswich Pub of the Year for the second year running, as it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Ipswich Star: The Fat Cat pub is selling beer at 1996 prices.The Fat Cat pub is selling beer at 1996 prices.

The Fat Cat in Spring Road, owned by John and Annie Keatley, was presented with the award last week by Suffolk CAMRA.

But now, as the pub celebrates its 20th anniversary on December 12, the owners will be marking the occasion by selling their beer at 1996 prices for the day.

“It’s brilliant and something we did for the 10-year anniversary,” Mr Keatley, 68, said. “When I bought it, it was an old Tolly tavern that was doing no trade whatsoever.

“It’s the first time I have been in business and had to put my house up for a deposit so it was a bit of a risk, but I put together a five-year plan and we achieved that in six months.”

The establishment is renowned for supporting local brewers, allowing customers to bring in takeaways and has become something of a family chain, with Mr Keatley’s son James running the Colchester Fat Cat for 10 years and brother Colin also owning the Fat Cat in Norwich for the last 27 years.