The Botanist has confirmed when it will be welcoming its first customers at its new bar and restaurant in the Old Post Office in Ipswich town centre.

The venue confirmed plans to move into the building on the Ipswich Cornhill in April last year.

Despite hopes it could open before Christmas, and recruitment adverts going up on the careers section of The Botanists' parent company's website in April last year, it has taken until now for a date for the Ipswich restaurant opening to be announced.

However, an update to The Botanist's website now reveals that the bar and restaurant will be opening in Ipswich on Tuesday, May 3.

To celebrate the opening, The Botanist is running a competition to win a three-course meal for two with complimentary cocktails and beers, as well as a chance to see the restaurant before anyone else.

The firm received unanimous planning permission from Ipswich Borough Council to move into the Grade II-listed building last June.

The building was constructed in 1881, and vacated by Lloyds TSB bank and The Wharf in 2016.

The news comes after BrewDog previously confirmed plans to open a new bar on Ipswich Waterfront, with the company saying it would pledge £750,000 for a revamp of a vacant unit.

After The Botanist's opening date was confirmed, Suffolk business leaders said they were keen to see the Old Post Office given a new lease of life and a big-name brand take a presence in the town centre.

Andy Walker, head of policy at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: "The Botanist is a welcome addition to the current nightlife and hospitality offering within Ipswich.

"Despite the closure of some units during the pandemic, it is great to see a well-known brand choose Ipswich as its next location.

"This comes at a good time given that Ipswich is one of the best performing towns for economic growth in the UK, and now stakeholders need to come together to set out a clear vision for improving the cycling and walking facilities alongside enhanced streetscaping to attract more businesses and consumers."