New Ipswich diner and bar VQ, in the Buttermarket Shopping Centre, hunts staff and applies for alcohol licence ahead of launch this month

A new diner and bar in Ipswich is on the hunt for staff and an alcohol licence ahead of its opening later this month.

VQ is set to open in the Buttermarket Shopping Centre on April 24 – its first location outside of London.

Ahead of its launch, the venue has submitted a licensing application to Ipswich Borough Council.

The team have begun the hunt for staff and are looking to recruit managers, chefs, waiting staff, bartenders and baristas.

If approved, it would be allowed to sell alcohol between 8am and midnight Monday to Wednesday and until 1am Thursday and 5am on Friday and Saturday.

In addition, it hopes to offer late night refreshments from 11pm to 12.30am Sunday to Wednesday, until 1.30am on Thursday and 5am on Friday and Saturday.

The 140-seat venue plans to offer something for everyone, from early-morning breakfasts to late-night dining.

The owners hope to open continuously from Friday morning through to Sunday night.

It will operate from 9am to 11pm for the rest of the week.

Simon Prideaux, co-owner of VQ, said: “We’re excited to bring VQ to Ipswich and hope that our offering will be a welcome addition to the town’s hospitality scene.”