A Norfolk restaurant is set to welcome back customers this weekend as a chef returns to his first kitchen.

New lead chef, and joint manager, Chris Jolly began his career as a chef at the Dove, in Alburgh, aged 14.

Now, almost 30 years later, the 43-year-old is "delighted and grateful" for the opportunity to run the business where it all started for him.

Mr Jolly said: "When I was 14, I started working here as a chef, and this is where I learned my trade before working across the area in various places as a chef. 

“And now I am 43 and back, having done the full circle, but now running the place where it all started. 

“I have a good relationship with the owners and am really grateful for their backing and trust in me to run things my way. 

“The menu features posh pub grub with locally sourced ingredients, and we also will have a specials board too. 

“We are opening midday on Saturday and cannot wait to welcome guests.” 

Eastern Daily Press: The exterior of the buildingThe exterior of the building (Image: The Dove)

Mr Jolly has appointed Karly Newton as his general manager to help the business get rolling. 

The pair are childhood friends who have grown up together in Harleston and are both excited to be working together. 

Karly: “Both Chris and I are on the same page with how we want to operate. 

“He is a brilliant chef with so much experience and I am confident we can make our vision work. 

“We are determined to give our guests the best experience possible and just want Saturday to arrive already.” 

The new staff say they have the "perfect Sunday hangover cure" in place with plans for an all-you-can-eat breakfast and all-you-can-eat carvery. 

Perran Stephens, who will be helping Mr Jolly run the kitchen, said: “Sundays are going to be huge for us.  

“We have an all-you-can-eat breakfast between 8am and 11am. 

“When we finish breakfast, we will then run an all-you-can-eat carvery. 

“It will be the perfect Sunday hangover cure.” 

Takeaway options will be available at the restaurant, who are also launching to nearby residents on JustEat.

The restaurant is opening at midday on Saturday, December 18.

Eastern Daily Press: The back garden in the splendour of an early morning frostThe back garden in the splendour of an early morning frost (Image: The Dove)

Eastern Daily Press: There is a big car park to the rear of the propertyThere is a big car park to the rear of the property (Image: The Dove)