Opening of Number 11 in Diss a dream come true for Paul and Kathryn

Two publican partners have dared to follow their dream by renovating and reopening a pub in Diss.

Paul Leeves, 46, and Kathryn Duffee, 24, opened Number 11 in St Nicholas Street, on Wednesday after a two-month project to renovate the building, which was once home to the Two Brewers Pub before it closed in 2016.

"We have managed to transform an empty shell into a place that will hopefully cater to everyone," said Mr Leeves, head chef and director.

"It took some hard graft, but we really envisioned our future being here."

Both Mr Leeves and the pub's bar manager, Ms Duffee, worked at the Swan Inn in Hoxne before making the move to Diss.

The pub serves British and Mediterranean dishes, as well as having a dedicated top-end bar area.

It caters for vegetarians, vegans, coeliacs and children.

"We felt something like this was missing from Diss," added Mr Leeve.

"Hopefully, we can offer something different, which people will want and enjoy."

Mr Leeve said both customers and surrounding traders have given them a warm welcome.

"It's a scary business to come into, but I think we have managed to restore the pub to its former glory.

"I've helped to make other establishments a success for their owners, so I hope to do the same thing with our own place."

Number 11 currently employs eight members of staff.

Work is being to undertaken to renovate the beer garden, while the owners plan to introduce pre-theatre food for patrons of the nearby Corn Hall.