A couple who took over a city watering hole a month before Covid struck has decided to leave the industry saying "pubs are a dying trade."
Gibraltar Gardens in Heigham Street will change hands early next year when the current landlords Julia and Jason Carter step down.
The husband-and-wife team took over the reins at the end of February but their first year was fraught with challenges due to the pandemic lockdowns and the repercussions continued to be felt.
Mrs Carter said: "We had an awful start. It has been one thing after another and the repercussions of Covid are still being felt now.
"Now with rising costs, people don't have a lot of money to spend at this time and it seems pubs are a dying trade with lots closing all over.
"There is not a lot of money in the trade at the moment and it's difficult to compete against the likes of Wetherspoon and supermarkets with their cheaper prices."
The business did its best to adapt to the Covid challenges, installing VIP pods to help with social distancing and a marquee for outdoor dining.
After three years in charge, the pair are sad to say goodbye to "such a beautiful pub" but hope to have a big farewell bash on New Year's Eve.
The 54-year-old added: "It has been a pleasure to be here and we are upset to be leaving. It's a beautiful pub and the summers here are great but the winter months are more difficult financially.
"We hope to have a good farewell bash to say goodbye to our staff and lovely customers."
The couple has spent more than ten years in the industry but now will look towards a new career - one that will "hopefully keep weekends free" said Mrs Carter.
Originally from London, the couple moved to Norfolk in 1988 and after a brief stint in Essex, they returned to a county they call home.
She said: "Norwich is a great place, it's so quirky, we love it and will definitely be staying local."
The new landlords of the Stonegate-owned pub are expected to take over the lease from January 12 and all the current staff are to stay on.
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