A hit bottle shop has enjoyed its first weekend open at its new home in Halesworth.

YouDrink hinted in December 2023 that it was set to move into a larger site after outgrowing its former shop in Reydon, near Southwold. 

Tom Sutton, YouDrink owner, explained the shake-up in December: "We're moving as we have now outgrown our unit and we want to be able to offer somewhere for customers to drink and sample the beers on-site."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Tom Sutton is the owner of YouDrink which opened in the former Thoroughfare Deli siteTom Sutton is the owner of YouDrink which opened in the former Thoroughfare Deli site (Image: Tom Sutton)

On Friday, January 19, the bottle shop and taproom opened in the former Thoroughfare Deli site in Halesworth. 

To celebrate the opening, Mr Sutton booked local band Grinter Street to play throughout the evening of Saturday, January 20 in the newly refurbished shop. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The taproom and bottle shop specialises in local beersThe taproom and bottle shop specialises in local beers (Image: Tom Sutton)

Mr Sutton started YouDrink to spotlight local breweries and craft brewers from across Suffolk and the rest of the region.

"Around 75 per cent of our beers on offer are local to East Anglia," Mr Sutton said.

"We have got some more well-known craft beers available too. 

"People like to support local and there are a lot of unknown brewers that need a platform like this."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The bar is stylishly decorated with green walls and wooden accentsThe bar is stylishly decorated with green walls and wooden accents (Image: Tom Sutton)

The shop has had a complete transformation and now features stylish leafy wallpaper, exposed lightbulbs and a light wooden floor, giving the shop a modern feel. 

The building is old and has retained some of its character with the low ceilings about the bar and the exposed wooden beams. 

In the colder months, customers can enjoy their beers inside the cosy bar, but Mr Sutton does have plans to renovate the beer garden ahead of the summer. 

YouDrink is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am until late, with teas and coffees available in the morning.