Restaurants Help Revive CBD

Restaurants Help Revive CBD

THE culinary scene in Ipswich is continuing to grow, with owners hoping the new dining options will encourage more people to choose to eat out in Ipswich.

In light of recent council plans for development of the CBD, restaurant managers like Mark Blackmore of Stumps Hotel are optimistic that their businesses will not only survive but thrive.

“Ipswich is moving forward…more people should get on board. More cafés and restaurants will prosper, I think. The future is in new businesses coming in and setting up,” he says.



Stumps manager Mark Blackmore

The café culture in Ipswich is certainly spreading, with the CBD now home to a range of speciality cafés such as Urban Pantry, Fourth Child, Cactus Espresso Bar and Laneway 17.

Owner of Urban Pantry Lisa Tatton is also optimistic about the culinary future of the CBD.

“I think the restaurant scene in Ipswich is definitely coming along, it would be great to see some more venues, especially night time venues, opening up. A little wine bar or something would be fabulous at the Top of Town,” she said.

 Ms Tatton believes the Ipswich restaurant scene is growing and has recently expanded her business to include mobile catering.

 “The future of Ipswich dining is very bright and interesting, the more variety the better.”

 

Between these ever popular cafés and restaurants such as Stumps, Indian Mehfil, Fenton’s and the newly renovated Ulster Hotel, the Ipswich dining scene has something to suit every taste.



Bridget McLean of the Coronation Hotel says that there is a strong sense of support between Ipswich’s ‘Top of Town’ retailers and hopes that together they can continue to bring more diners into the area.

“When my parents were publicans, everyone got on. In every industry to keep Ipswich going there has to be that teamwork,” she says.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale also believes that restaurants in Ipswich are a key feature in resuscitating the heart of the CBD.

Stumps Restaurant in Ipswich CBD.

Cr Pisasale says the population growth and the continued interest in Ipswich as a tourist destination have resulted in a marked expansion of the restaurant scene.

"The local response to new restaurants has been positive, with many couples and families enjoying having more quality dining options so close to home," he said.

“Every day we see new restaurants opening and more interest from local and interstate restaurateurs in establishing businesses in Ipswich.”