Ipswich restaurant K Bar and Grill in St Nicholas Street announces closure after 13 years

An eatery in a busy town centre has made the difficult decision to close after 13 years in business following a significant drop in trade.

The owners of K Bar and Grill in St Nicholas Street, Ipswich, said on New Year's Day it was with ‘great sadness’ they had to cease operations.

A combination of a drop in footfall, spiralling costs, and many customers having to work home had a huge impact on trade in the town centre, they noted.

Owners thanked everyone that had visited the grill since it opened in 2009, every DJ that spun a set at one of its many events, and the staff that strived to make guests feel welcome at all times.

They added: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that we are closing.

“We have been part of the fabric of Ipswich for the past 13 years but external pressures have had a massive impact upon [Ipswich’s] high street.

“We will also miss our football home days – come on your blues.

“We searched for every possible way to keep the family together. We wish you all the best for the future. Big love to you all.”

The bar's closure comes after a turbulent year for Ipswich.

A number of businesses, including Patisserie Valerie, the last standalone Argos store, and H&M, all closed in 2022.

Brewdog also withdrew plans to open up a bar on the waterfront in early December, but still has plans to come to the town.

However, other businesses, such as Harry’s Handcrafted Doughnuts and Leading Labels, have opened in a bid to fill up vacant lots in Sailmaker's shopping centre following its takeover last year.