Bosses at a pub that was the first house in Norwich to feature a skiffle group are carrying on the tradition by promoting live music in the city.

The former Red Lion, now the Dog House, in St George's Street, played a prominent role in the early history of live music in Norwich.

And manager Danny Smith, who has been in charge for about 20 months, is keen to continue that tradition and, at the same time, cash in on Norwich's thriving music scene.

He said: 'We have live music on Sundays and have in the past featured acts such as Bill Downes, Lee Vann and Tom Pearce. The music scene is so vibrant in Norwich, it's nice to carry on the tradition.'

The present incarnation of the pub has been in existence about three and a half years, and Mr Smith said: 'I think we've got the right mix now. Most of our customers are 25plus, and are the after-work crowd.

'We're an excellent starting point for people coming out or just on their way home after work, and it's a good place to 'people watch' with big windows looking out on to the pedestrianised St George's Street.'

He has been involved in the pub trade most of his life and ran pubs in Greece, but he's Norwich born-and-bred and wants the Dog House to be known for its cleanliness and top quality service.

He said: 'I've never been a 9-5 type and I like the friendliness and interactive social side of the pub.

'We try to give it a personal touch and always try to do something different.

'People like working here and we don't have much of a turnover.

'People from all walks of life come in.

'We are away from the club scene and it's a beautiful, historic area, with a lot of culture. Our second bar upstairs, known as the Kennel, hosts parties, which are very well received.'

He's optimistic about the future of the pub industry.

'I hate to talk about doom and gloom. We strive for excellence here and when the economy does recover, I'm sure people will remember us,' he added.

The Evening News has been urging customers to return to pubs in our Love your Local campaign.

To see more stories from the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal