New Buckenham pub closed for seven years has a new lease of life after £370,000 investment

The landlord of a New Buckenham pub which had been closed for seven years says the reaction from locals and the surrounding areas has been “very good” since its reopening last month.

Barry Tunmore, who has nearly 45 years’ experience in the trade, bought The King’s Head pub two years ago.

Since then, he has spent £370,000 on improving and restoring the building, and is set to offer a five room bed and breakfast service.

As well as having a 62-seat eating house, there is also a separate bar.

Mr Tunmore, who also owns the Fighting Cocks in Winfarthing, Garden House in Banham, and the Jolly Farmers in Forncett St Peter, said the building was in a “bad state of repair” and added he fell though the roof on occasions.

“It was in a rotten state,” explained Mr Tunmore.

“The reaction so far has been very good. We have had a good response from locals and also the surrounding villages.

“We have got a good chef and everything is going well at the moment.”

When asked about the challenges of running a pub in the current climate, Mr Tunmore said: “I do say that you won’t be a millionaire, but you will earn a living.

“It is 24/7 work, to keep it up to scratch, you have got to work at it.

“It is not just thinking you have got to open the doors people will walk in because that won’t happen.

“A good landlord will keep their finger on the pulse.”

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