The future of a popular pub in Ipswich remains a mystery today after it abruptly shut its doors to the public.

A sign was placed outside The Arboretum, in High Street, at the end of last month saying the venue was closed for “essential kitchen maintenance”.

However, The Star has been told that new owners are currently being sought for the premises.

Suffolk Camra’s website has also reported that the pub is “temporarily closed”.

The Arboretum, which is located near to Christchurch Park, has become extremely popular with people in the town for its wide selection of real ales. The historic pub was also well known across the area for the food it had on offer.

A monthly open mic night session was also launched last year which quickly grew with a number of musicians, poets and budding comedians taking to the stage.

Julian Gibbs, a borough councillor for Westgate ward, lives near the pub and had also noticed the sign in the window.

He said: “It has been like that for a couple of weeks.

“It is a shame if they have decided to go because I thought they had turned it around.

“I’m not sure of the numbers that were going in but when I have been in the past the quality of the food has been good.”

The Ipswich Star attempted to contact the pub but nobody was available for comment.