A NEW pub landlord has today encouraged people to support their local boozer as he officially opens a renovated pub in Ipswich.

A NEW pub landlord has today encouraged people to support their local boozer as he officially opens a renovated pub in Ipswich.

Unlike dozens of others pubs across the country that are closing, Will Bowman is bucking the trend and actually opening one amid an unsteady economic climate.

He has been refurbishing The Arboretum in High Street since he bought it in June this year. Now that the electrics and plumbing are completed, and it has been redecorated, the pub will officially open to serve food tonight.

Mr Bowman, 25, gave his backing to The Evening Star's campaign to get people to support their local pub. The Campaign for Real Ale claimed that one in eight pubs - 7,500 - could be forced to close by the end of 2012 and blamed cheap alcohol for steering people away from pubs and into their nearest supermarket.

Mr Bowman said: “I think this is a good campaign. I'm not concerned about what people are saying about pubs closing. We opened on Wednesday and we have had great support since then.

“I want to stay clear of it being a gastro pub as I want people to feel comfortable having a drink here. It is a relaxed place with great food and a good wine list. We have a great selection of lagers and ales too and you can't get that at home.”

Mr Bowman, who commutes to Ipswich everyday from Sibton near Saxmundham, studied law at university. He then worked in a kitchen to make ends meet and it was there that he discovered a passion for cooking and eventually set up his own catering company before buying the Arboretum this year.

As well as running the pub and learning how to pull a pint, he will also be working in the kitchens. By the end of January a newly refurbished upstairs section will be open, which will have space for an extra 30 people.

The official opening will be from 6pm tomorrow. If you want to have a meal, booking ahead is advisable by calling 01473 222177.

Is the pub industry changing for the better or worse? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk