Take a Look Inside the Pub Ed Sheeran Created in Massachusetts for His Latest Music Video.
In a charming twist of fate, the small coastal town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, found itself hosting a pop-up event by none other than four-time Grammy winner Ed Sheeran. The singer-songwriter decided to bring a taste of the UK to the town’s 14,000 residents, promoting his latest single, “Old Phone.” For one magical day on Friday, March 28, fans flocked to the pop-up pub to enjoy Sheeran’s intimate performance while savoring Guinness and classic pub fare like roast beef sandwiches and French fries. It wasn’t just any pub, though — it was the setting for his “Old Phone” music video, too.
The space, created by Pink Sparrow, was designed to resemble the cozy, old-fashioned pubs often found across the UK and Ireland. With dark green walls, vintage patterned area rugs, a wood-paneled bar, brown leather booths, and a dartboard, the pub exuded warmth and charm. Ipswich Town Football Club memorabilia was also scattered throughout, adding a personal touch. At the heart of the pub, Sheeran performed for fans, the cozy space inviting both music and conversation.
Photo: Mark Surridge
The locals began to speculate when they saw the structure for the “Old Phone Pub” pop up in a parking lot within the town's historic district. Sheeran confirmed his plans during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on March 26. "It’s a full working pub," he shared with Fallon before debuting “Old Phone” from his upcoming album Play. “The music video is basically the build of the pub with everyone locally,” he said. Sheeran also revealed a unique way for fans to gain entry into the pub: they had to dig into their old phones and send in a message or video that held sentimental value, which was then projected on the pub walls later in the evening.
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The concept for the song “Old Phone” came to Sheeran as he sifted through messages and photos from an old phone. “I wanted to capture the emotional experience of reconnecting with old memories,” Sheeran said. His idea was brought to life in the pub, which felt like a time capsule, part Ipswich, part small-town New England, and part something entirely imaginative.
Photo: Mark Surridge
Pink Sparrow’s creative director, Cat Garcia-Menocal, said, “We wanted the Old Phone to feel like it had always been there, albeit suspended between worlds—part Ipswich, UK, part small-town New England, and part something more imagined. It was rich with layers—architectural and emotional—and had to do a lot at once: support a performance, create intimacy, and tell a story.” Garcia-Menocal explained that the push and pull between architectural realism and emotional storytelling was central to the design decisions.
Despite being a temporary setup, Garcia-Menocal noted, “The architecture was meant to collapse space and time and be a sort of dream space. Then, of course, Ed’s performance made it all really come alive.”
Photo: Mark Surridge
But why Ipswich? The town likely holds sentimental value for Sheeran. Growing up in Suffolk County, England, Sheeran has a deep connection to Ipswich Town Football Club, of which he is a part owner. “I created this pub to bring a piece of myself to Ipswich,” Sheeran shared with AD. “We put everything into crafting an experience where fans can come together, feel connected, and enjoy an unforgettable night filled with new music and celebration. I’m beyond grateful to this town for embracing me.”
Ed Sheeran's humble nature and ability to stay grounded despite his fame truly resonate with me. He has remained down-to-earth, never letting his success or popularity go to his head. Whether it’s through his relatable music or his heartwarming connection with fans, Ed is a rare gem in the entertainment industry. His love for his fans and community shines through in everything he does, from surprise performances to intimate pop-up events like this one. I’m proud to be a fan of Ed, and his music will always be a source of joy for me.
