Jack Cronin-Aldridge, 23, has reopened the kitchen at The Cock Inn, in Fair Green, Diss, to the delight of pubgoers
A young chef has been delighting pubgoers after relaunching a pub kitchen.
Jack Cronin-Aldridge, 23, reopened the kitchen at The Cock Inn, in Fair Green, Diss, earlier this year.
It had been closed for two years after pub owner, and then head chef, Chris Gissing, had to close it after becoming too busy launching other ventures.
Jack had been a regular at the pub for around four years and struck up a conversation with Chris about one again providing food at the popular 16th century venue.
“I was working as a head chef at a pub in South Lopham at the time, and so I had already reached the top spot there,” said Jack.
“We got chatting and decided I could run my own business from the pub, called Jack at the Cock Inn. I was delighted.
“It’s been going really well and regulars love that the pub is selling food again.
“It is a lovely pub with amazing views across Fair Green. We now have a burger and lunchtime menu, we are also open in the evenings on Thursday and do Sunday roasts, which are always sold out.”
Jack originally trained as an apprentice at his dad’s pub, The White Horse in Stoke Ash, where he still lives.
He also worked at the Old Ram in Tivetshall, for the JD Young group, and then at the White Horse in South Lopham.
In 2022, he was a finalist in the The Great British Pub Awards for his cooking skills and came runner up.
He said: “The burger and lunch menu changes weekly. Our style is just good, homecooked food and its seems to be going down well.”
The Cock is has been a landmark pub for more than 500 years.
Jack rents the kitchen for his businesses. He has already built up a fan base across south Norfolk.
The kitchen is open for food from 12pm to 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday, and also on Thursday evenings, 6pm until 9pm.
Jack said: “Lots of people have been coming to try the food and it’s great to be able to draw in extra customers.
“The summer will be fantastic and I look forward to seeing people.”
