Diss bar and restaurant marks first year by opening beer garden

A Diss bar and restaurant is celebrating its first year in the town by opening a new beer garden and throwing a party.

Number 11, on St Nicholas Street, was opened by Paul Leeves, 46, and Kathryn Duffee, 25, in 2018 – marking a dream come true for the couple.

Tomorrow, (Saturday) the owners will be celebrating the bar and restaurant’s first year in the town, with a party featuring live music throughout the day from 1.30pm to closing time.

The bar will also be launching its new beer garden.

“It’s about 100 square metres and was formerly an old car park, and needed a lot of work,” said Paul.

“There will be music outdoors in the afternoon featuring buskers and new talent, before moving indoors for the main acts, including Jax & Co, a Johnny Cash tribute act.

“There will also be plenty of food.

“It’s been a great first year in Diss and the warm welcome we received when we first arrived has continued.”

Paul and Kathryn spent four months last year renovating what was formerly the Two Brewers pub.

“It meant a lot of work as it was pretty much an empty shell,” said Paul.

“We’d always wanted to run our own place and, when we were offered the opportunity, we jumped at it.

“Diss is quieter in the winter months than we expected, but the people are great and very supportive.

“We still do get people though, even local people, who didn’t know we are here.”

The bar and restaurant serves British and Mediterranean dishes. It also caters for vegetarians, vegans and other special dietary requirements.

During the summer, there will be hog roasts in the new garden, as well as a pizza oven. There will also be more music acts.

“We’re a freehouse, so we have a range of beers and all our food is cooked fresh to order,” said Paul, who is the head chef, as well as director.

“It’s great being alongside the Corn Hall, too, as it is a such a magnificent building.”

Kathryn said: “One of the joys is we still see new people every day.

“We have also picked up some good reviews on TripAdvisor and Facebook and get quite a few people from out of town who come to visit.

“We’re hoping to see as many people as possible at our party,” she added.