Over two-and-a-half years later in Cauldwell Hall Road, they've raised thousands for children's charities, installed a defibrillator and turned a once-troubled venue into one of Ipswich's most quietly transformative spaces.
"We've put our heart and soul into this pub," said Teresa, who was born above a TV shop just round the corner in St John's Road. The public house dates back to 1901 and was previously known as The Lion's Head and The Old Times Guest House.
A calendar of kindness
When regulars began discussing the idea of getting a defibrillator last Christmas, they voted to make it their next mission.
"We thought we'd only raise half and get help from a charity," Teresa said. "But no one came back to us. So we just kept going."
By summer, they'd raised around £6,000 through raffles, fancy dress karaoke, and quiz nights with homemade buffets. About £2,000 covered the defibrillator and installation.
"We had summer BBQs, Ascot Ladies Day and back-to-school events," Teresa said. "People were very generous. For a small pub, we get a lot of support."
The defibrillator was fitted last month at the pub, at the junction with Freehold Road. It helps fill a vital gap between the nearest devices at the California Social Club and the Case is Altered.
"Everyone's chuffed," said Teresa, who worked in private healthcare before her pub venture. "Hopefully we'll never use it, but if it saves one life, it'll be worth it."
With around £1,000 still remaining, the team will donate it to EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospices) this Christmas. Next year's chosen charity is the East Anglian Air Ambulance, which has offered free training for staff and customers on using the defibrillator.
A space where people gather
Tony, from County Cork, previously ran the Shamrock in town. He's more content at the Harp, a name he chose for its Irish symbolism. "The community gathers here," he said.
Since reopening, it's hosted weddings, wakes, baby showers, book clubs, school governors' meetings and the Ipswich Furniture Project. There's a darts team now, a Sunday roast and a staff Christmas breakfast where everyone turns up in pyjamas and stays in them all day.
"We've decorated all the rooms upstairs, done the windows and built out the back," Teresa said.
Staff member Val Moran has called ambulances for older regulars and checks in if someone hasn't been seen in a few days.
"We all help each other out. It's like a family," Val said.
Kayleigh Tooke, Teresa's daughter, noted: "Lots of women say they wouldn't normally go into a pub alone, but they feel comfortable here."
Quizmaster Murray Brunning agreed. "This is one of the few places my wife would come in and have a drink on her own. We bring our kids here. They feel safe."
"You couldn't do what we do in a town pub," Teresa reflected. "The customers there are in and out, not loyal like here."
The group agree the town centre has lost its buzz and post-Covid habits of staying in are hard to untangle.
Teresa added: "I don't think there's enough publicity about pubs outside the town centre and how well they're doing to fundraise and bring communities together."
A pub crawl to forget
The Harp stands out in the IP4 area which in recent years has lost: The Golden Key (2013, now a Sainsbury's), The John Bull (2015, now a chip shop), The Trafalgar (2002), Horse and Groom (2012), Masons Arms (2015), The Railway (2020), Heathlands (2013) and Blooming Fuchsia (2009).
One talented regular has mapped them all, creating a London Underground-style chart of the pubs that have closed or survived. Hanging near the bar, it's sobering to reflect on.
With all eyes on the Budget this month, Murray made a direct plea to Chancellor Rachel Reeves: "Successive governments bear a lot of responsibility for the number of pubs that have closed. It's not that people don't want to go — it's that they can't afford to. The industry needs help, whether that's reforming business rates or the laws that tie pubs to breweries."
Last orders
In an era where pubs are closing at an alarming rate, The Harp Freehouse and Guest House in Cauldwell Hall Road proves that community-first hospitality can thrive.
Does Teresa have any regrets taking on the pub with Tony? "None at all," she said.
"Roll on next year," added Tony.
