The Brewery Tap, one of the most popular pubs in Ipswich, is closing down next week.

Owner and renowned chef Mike Keen made the announcement on his official Twitter and Instagram pages on Friday night.

It comes after the gastro-pub, based in Cliff Lane and near the town’s flagship waterfront, was given zero stars out of five for food hygiene, it was revealed in January.

At the time, Mr Keen said the main concern was a vac pack machine which was used for both raw and cooked food. He said the machine had been removed and management procedures which did not meet their recommendations had been overhauled.

Mr Keen posted on Instagram last night: “Last ever Friday night at The Tap dudes. Closing after Sunday.”

In a reply to a Twitter user, he added: “Last day this Sunday, we’ll be open evenings during next week for drinks and sausage rolls.”

In response to another user asking when the last day would be, he said: “Probably Friday. Boo.” He told another user “we’re gutted”.

On Instagram, he posted a series of hashtags, including “cult is still awesome and very much carrying on”. Mr Keen also owns Cult Cafe along the waterfront. The popular venue opened in 2013.

Cult Cafe has a five-star food hygiene rating. Safety officers from Ipswich Borough Council routinely visit all registered food businesses in the town. Results are published online and displayed at venues. A zero rating means ‘urgent’ improvements are needed.

Mr Keen took over The Brewery Tap in September 2009 from Cliff Quay Brewery. At the time, he said a 12-year lease had been agreed.

The pub held regular quizzes and a Pizza Night on Wednesdays. It held the World Pickled Egg 2016 championship last October.

The pub was also due to be incorporated into a new site to restore and find a new use for the historic Tolly Cobbold brewery.

Mr Keen has been contacted for comment.

On Saturday, an Ipswich Borough Council spokesman said the council was unaware of the closure and was unable to comment.