Ipswich drinks trail SIPSWICH is back and it’s bigger and better!

Friday 27 March sees the launch of SIPSWICH 2026 – with drinks trail taking people around 30 town centre pubs and bars with something for everyone.

Six themed trails invite people to collect a stamp for every drink they buy with each completed trail earning one entry into not one, but two, prize draws. Prizes include £150 and £250 bar tabs, a VIP hospitality package for an ITFC home match and tickets for a show at Ipswich Regent Theatre. Drinks can be anything a participating bar sells – beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails or even teas and coffees. 

The trails have been organised by Ipswich Central, the business improvement district, as part of its work to increase footfall and dwell time in the town centre to support local businesses. 

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central, said: “We ran two SIPSWICH trails last year and these were incredibly well received. We know it brought at least £50,000 of business into the 15 venues which took par and feedback from trail goers was overwhelmingly positive, so it was a no brainer to repeat it in 2026.” 

“We’ve invested a little more this year to respond to requests for a digital option to collect stamps.  It’s incredibly easy to use, doesn’t need an app to be downloaded, and gives real time updates for users on how many stamps they have collected on each trail. But of course, the paper trail cards for SIPSWICH 2026 are still available as well for those who prefer that traditional option.” 

SIPSWICH 2026 runs for a limited time, 27 March to 30 April 2026.  

The six themed trails are: 

• Hopper – for those whose first question is ‘what’s on tap – some of Ipswich’s finest craft beer and real ale destinations. 
• Locals – welcoming community pubs where regulars become friends.   
• Game on – for those who love watching or participating in sport. 
• Out Out – for night owls – those who are not just out, they’re ‘out out’. 
• Gastro – for great food and drink worth taking time over. 
• Alfresco – sun-soaked beer gardens for watching the world go by.

There is a new website for SIPSWICH 2026 which allows people to pick their favourite trail, find out information about each pub and access the digital trail card here: sipswich.co.uk 

Demand to be part of the trail has been high this year. Thirty slots were quickly filled with 16 new pubs and bars taking part, plus almost all of those who joined the pilot trail last year.   

Lee Walker concluded: “Ipswich has a fabulous range of pubs and bars and we want more people to discover them, whether that’s for a quick drink after work or as destinations for an evening out – perhaps with a meal. I’m very proud we are showcasing them in this way.” 
 
Ipswich Central is grateful to Ipswich Borough Council, Ipswich Regent Theatre and Ipswich Town Football Club for offering great grand prizes for SIPSWICH 2026. 

SIPSWICH – Walk, Sip, Stamp, Win