Wortham pub The Manor could soon be transformed after nearly five years

After nearly five years, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel for a village pub as the hunt for a tenant continues.

Star Pubs is set to transform The Manor House, in Bury Road, Wortham, into a ‘great quality community pub’ and plans to refurbish the building inside and

out.

An advertising consent application, submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council in July to change the signs on the outside of the building, was given the green light earlier this month.

These proposals hinted the pub could return to its original name, The Dolphin, but Star Pubs has since said no name change was planned.

No comment from Wortham and Burgate Parish Council was received.

A spokesperson for Star Pubs said: “Subject to recruiting a new operator, we would like to undertake a refurbishment to transform the Manor House in Wortham into a great quality community pub offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere and excellent food and drinks.

“The refurbishment will involve an [inside] redecoration, with updated fixtures and furnishings and a curated selection of bric-a-brac.

“The [outside] refurbishment will include new signage, a complete redecoration of the exterior and enhancements to the garden area.

“Anyone interested can find out more information at www.starpubs.co.uk or call our recruitment team on 08085 949596.”

Planners said the colouration and amount of signage proposed was ‘subtle and sympathetic’ to the area, including the historic setting of the nearby Tarragon Cottage.

The signs which would be illuminated would be lit by downlighters to minimise light spill and nuisance for neighbouring properties.

The Manor has lain vacant since November 2020 after it racked up £80,000 in debt and went into liquidation.

In March last year, the Diss Express reported the pub could be in for a £245,000 refurbishment.