Suffolk pop-up to return after Queen at Brandeston closed

Known as the Churchill Arms, the monthly pop-up will be returning to Brandeston on Friday, January 19 after being started as a social hub following the closure of the Queen pub in the village.

Villagers have been campaigning for the Queen to reopen after it closed in November 2022 with the new owners giving no indication of when they intended to reopen.

READ MORE: Plans for Queen pub at Brandeston to be converted to home

Plans have been submitted to East Suffolk Council to change the use of the pub in The Street.

However, in November the EADT reported how the village parish council was "concerned and disappointed" that the pub had remained closed.

The authority said the Queen could be a "successful pub" attracting both villagers and those from farther afield, including Woodbridge and Framlingham.

READ MORE: Council's 'concerned' Queen pub at Brandeston still closed

The council's clerk John Spacey, speaking on behalf of the council, said: "We are concerned and disappointed to lose an asset and focal point for the community. I am sure that most villagers share my view."

In December, Dan Poulter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, also criticised the plans to convert the pub, saying he had been contacted by a number of his constituents voicing concerns that the pub may not reopen.

He highlighted the Queen's status as an asset of community value – which places certain restrictions on development – and said he shares his constituents' "extreme disappointment" at the proposals.

Dr Poulter said: "Should the application be approved, this will deprive Brandeston of a much needed community hub and in my view, this risks changing the character of this historic village forever.

"I would urge that due consideration is given to this important application."

The pop-up pub will be held in the village hall and will be raising money for charity St Elizabeth Hospice, which looks after people with progressive and life-limiting illnesses.