Weavers in Diss restored to former glory

A Diss restaurant has undergone a facelift, ensuring the preservation of its centuries-old features.

Work on the Weavers Wine Bar and Eating House on Market Hill has finished following a three-month renovation project.

Dating back to the 15th century, the eatery, which carries listed building restrictions to protect the historic significance of the building, has been reroofed, repainted and redecorated.

Co-owner Katrina Bavin said: “It’s important that the building looks like it did before the renovation, just in a nicer and better condition.”

Centuries ago, the building served as the Chapel of St Nicholas, home to a society of weavers known as the Guild of St Nicholas.

Its history inspired Katrina’s husband, William, when naming the restaurant.

The renovation of the building, which first opened in 1987, was conducted by Danny Ward Builders from Scole.

Katrina said: “We’ve been hoping to do the renovation work for some time.

“After 30 years in business, there was an accumulation of things to improve and we thought now was the time to do it.

“The team of builders did a very professional job of bringing the building back to its former glory.

“They were very sympathetic and kept noise and dust to a minimum, which allowed us to keep the business open.”

In 1987, William completely refurbished the restaurant, exposing and treating all the timbers.

Still a keen craftsman, he has recently worked on an old-fashioned sash window by the bar, which had been screwed and painted shut for the past three decades.

“The renovation shows that we care about the building and the Heritage Triangle,” said Katrina.

“We are a smart beacon in Diss. The building is, after all, at the entrance to the historic centre of the town.”