A popular pub which for years was a hub for live music in Ipswich has reopened after nearly three years of being closed – and a packed programme of bands has already been lined up.

The Railway in Foxhall Road has been closed since November 2013, but after two years of hard work, new pub hands Stephen and Sue Preston re-opened it on Monday on a 20 year lease from owners SEH.

The couple have experience of the trade having previously run the Suffolk Punch in Norwich Road and Masons Arms in Woodbridge Road, and are now looking to return The Railway to its best.

Stephen Preston, 57, said: “We have got quite a passion for the industry, we love the music and there is nothing this end of town, so we are here absolutely as a traditional pub with darts, ale and music.”

Remarkably, the couple has already got Friday and Saturday bands lined up until the end of 2017, having spent the last year organising artists to play.

“We have been inundated with bands because this has always been the best gig in town,” Mr Preston said.

“And our policy will always be that we don’t charge people to come in to see live music.”

The couple are continuing to renovate the building, which Mr Preston said will take place over the next three years.

The pub previously made its name as one of the busiest live music venues in town, even hosting acts such as Status Quo in 1999 and Big Country before its closure.