The Dooley Inn in Felixstowe to offer a warm space

The Dooley Inn, in Felixstowe, made the announcement on social media explaining they would offer free refills to people who needed a warm "base".

Kelly Sullivan and her husband, Matthew, manage The Dooley Inn (Image: The Dooley Inn) Kelly Sullivan, the manageress, said: "I wanted to provide a warm base and do something for the community.

"People are really struggling at the moment and so it is really important that they feel they have a safe place to come and warm up.

"Not everyone can afford a warm drink, little things like taking that worry away are so important."

The pub has already had a couple of people use the service, but Ms Sullivan says she wants to fill the room.

The Dooley Inn even has a resident dog, called Dooley.

The team at The Dooley Inn (from left to right) Dagne, Joanne, Amber, Matt, Kelly, Rick, Maddie and Dooley the dog (Image: The Dooley Inn) "It isn't just a warm space, people can come and socialise, winter is a lonely time.

"Everyone here is so friendly and no one should feel embarrassed," she said.

The Dooley Inn encourages people to come every day for the hot tea and coffee service.

The idea stemmed from refills after buying the first hot drink, but the Inn says if people can't afford the first drink, ask for the tab to be put under 'Jodi' or 'Mark'.

The Dooley Inn will offer free first drinks if people can't afford it (Image: The Dooley Inn) Ms Sullivan said it is hard to know to cost of the idea and that she feels more fortunate as an independently run pub to have the movement in funds to bring the service to Felixstowe.

She said: "It really doesn't matter the cost to me, I want to fill this room with people and there is no limit on the refills. 

"The more the merrier."

The Dooley Inn will provide the free refills from Monday to Saturday from 2pm until 6pm until springtime.