'A good time to launch a pub,' say new owners

The investor in a new pub said despite cost of living price rises "it's always a good time to launch a pub".

The Peasants' Tavern in North Walsham in Norfolk is due to open on Saturday after it closed under a different name in December 2022 amid claims of anti-social behaviour.

Despite pub closures across the country, landlord Charlie Holder said there had also been success stories.

"People like to get out, sitting down and meeting people and having conversations - that's what a pub should be," said Peter Phillips, who has invested in the pub.

"It's always a good time to launch a pub. If people don't have a lot of money to spend on big expensive restaurants, to come out for a night in the pub where it is not going to cost them a fortune is a great way."

The new pub's alcohol license was approved by North Norfolk District Council in December 2023, despite residents' fears of anti-social behaviour.

'Working together'

Mr Holder, who grew up in the trade, said: "The community of pubs in all of Norfolk has been very, very strong, and we are hoping to add to that.

"All pubs should be working together... to make a friendly, comfortable asset that people can actually spend time in.

"Losing the pubs that we've lost over the years has been a massive blow to so many communities and it's essential."