Owner of The Galley in Woodbridge reflects on last 30 years

Ugur Vata first opened The Galley restaurant in Ipswich in 1994 before opening a sister restaurant in Woodbridge in 2004. 

On Monday Mr Vata announced he had made the decision to close the restaurant and focus on his ice cream shop next door. 

Speaking of the last 30 years Mr Vata said: "Every day is a highlight. When I opened The Galley in Ipswich 30 years ago the economy was similar to now and everyone told me I was crazy.

"But, if you are willing to use your knowledge and experience with motivation you can build your business and this is what I did. 

Ugur Vata outside The Galley in Woodbridge (Image: Lucy Taylor)

"I am very proud to have built this brand that was born in Ipswich and that has grown in Suffolk. 

"Since making the announcement I have received so many texts and emails from around the world including Hong Kong, Australia and Canada which shows this brand has reached around the world which is incredible."

Mr Vata has said over the past three decades he has made many friends during his time running the business.

"All my customers are my kings and queens and in 30 years of running the business I have seen three generations of family."

Mr Vata outside his ice cream shop next door to his restaurant (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Mr Vata said he is looking forward to having some time off with his wife before getting back into the ice cream shop. 

He said: "Me and my wife have not had a holiday in the past five years because of the pandemic so we will be taking a short break and the ice cream shop will be open from Wednesday to Sunday and I will be here for most of the time."

Mr Vata announced that the closing of his business on Monday afternoon and by the evening he was already fully booked for his last two weekends. 

When the business closes down a new restaurant is expected to take its place.