New faces at Walnut Tree pub bring community spirit and great ales to Stowmarket

The reopening of The Walnut Tree pub in Stowmarket heralds a new era for community enjoyment.

Following a £10,000 investment by Admiral Taverns and new licensees Helen and Ivan Sheldrake the Violet Hill Road pub is up and running and offering speciality beers and cask ales.

Helen and Ivan joined the industry four years ago when they launched their own micropub the in Market Harborough.

They aim to make the Walnut Tree very much community focused with a book club, vinyl listening club and cinema nights.

They are also taking part in the Meet-Up Mondays initiative where local people can get together to meet new people and make new friends over a coffee and slice of cake in the afternoons. All ages are welcome.

Ivan and Helen are also planning to hold regular ‘bring a bottle’ sessions for home brewers. People can bring along their favourite speciality and share their knowledge and passion for home-made ales. There will also be an opportunity to meet expert brewers on site.

Ivan said: "Our idea is one of people being involved with each other and having a chat over a drink. We have completely changed the ambience to make a nice place for people to come and sit. We're in competition with the front room and aiming to get people out of their homes rather than poaching from other pubs in the town."

Helen said: “We’re incredibly excited to be joining the Walnut Tree. We’ve got great ambitions for this pub and we’re proud to be offering something unique to the Stowmarket locals. Ivan and I are very excited to have this opportunity to build on our expertise of cask ales and share our passion with the community.” The pub offers six ranges of cask ale and 10 keg lines.