If you live in Suffolk, there is no escaping the football mania that took over the county on 4 May. No longer known as Star Wars Day, but now Uppatowen Day after Ipswich finished their 22-year exile from the premiership. Expected to bring half a billion pounds to the town in investment, you don’t need to be a football fan to understand being Premiership is a big deal for the county and the town.  

And now we have Euros 24 kicking off with a month of fantastic top-grade football to enjoy. Or a month of disrupted TV schedules, family events with the TV on in the background, and pubs being dominated by big screens, football chants and queues at the bar.  

It’s a marmite moment – love it or hate it?  

Similar to Ipswich going into the Premiership, the Euros is fantastic news for the economy, and many hospitality venues will be cashing in. But what if you would rather wake up on 15 July and find it is all over? What if you don’t care who scores what and whether the ref needs glasses? What if you live in a house of football fans, and have already had enough of the banter, and score charts on the fridge? 

Keep reading because we have the solution…… 

Need some brownie points?  

Looking to go out all day Sunday with your mates to watch the match? Needing a late-night pass on a school night, and perhaps a pass for being a bit incompetent the next day as you recover?  Want to be excused from the in-laws BBQ at the weekend so you can sit in peace and watch the game?  

We can help! Why not take your partner somewhere footie free in exchange for a free pass later! 

The Gallery Ipswich  – a football-free zone 

Located on the waterfront in Ipswich, The Gallery is a lounge bar that specialises in high-quality cocktails – with, or without alcohol – and plant-based food.  

The location, down a side alley, and building, lend itself to the feeling of escaping the world. The comfortable environment, with limited windows and brick walls, provides a calm and secluded atmosphere. Ideal luxurious surroundings to escape the kids, work, and the pressure of life for a few hours. A unique location for over 18s to relax, with expertly mixed drinks made with the finest ingredients.  

With no dress code, table service, and low-volume music, it is ideal for a relaxing date night, or night out with friends. Whether you opt for a comfy sofa for a chill and unwind, or one of our table places, we can guarantee you outstanding service, excellent drinks AND a complete escape from the football.  

Our extensive cocktail menu, provided with high-quality, vegan ingredients, is perfect for the discerning drinker – with, or without alcohol. Our cocktail menu is accompanied by a wide range of wines and beers, to tantalise everyone’s tastes.  

Our food menu is perfect whether for sharing tapas style, having a post-dinner nibble, or taking advantage of our pizza offer for dinner out. All our food is plant-based with inspiration from around the world.  

Not only will you be able to escape the football the minute you step into The Gallery, you will escape the world. Leave the pressure of the kids, work, family, and the diary behind, and come and take a moment for yourself. We would love to see you whether for a drink, a few drinks or dinner. Just sit back and relax – and we promise we won’t mention the football.  

Four whole weeks of the Euros 

Yep, that’s right. The Euros last until 14 July. That is weeks of disruption and a country-wide obsession with football. We can also recommend these sanctuaries to escape to:  

The Arbor House just on the edge of town near Christchurch is a free house supporting a range of microbreweries and offers pub food with a modern, fresh take. 

Arlingtons is a great place to try on a Saturday evening. Often running theme evenings, and ticketed events it is worth checking out their website before heading down. In a beautiful building, which has previously been used as a dance school, and museum.  

Bin93 is a family-run, independent wine merchant on Fore Street, as you head from town to the waterfront. With over 200 wines and a great range of craft beers and ciders, it offers something a bit different.  Look out for wine-tasting evenings.  

The Wine Boutique on the Quay can be found upstairs in The Bistro on the Quay, just around the corner from The Gallery. Open most evenings until 10 pm, this is best described as a wine shop you can drink in.  

Looking forward to seeing you 

We are open Thursday to Saturday 6pm until late. Whether you would like to book a table, or just pop in, we promise you excellent service, exquisite drink and food, and a football-free zone.