A popular pub and restaurant in Mid Norfolk will close its doors in the wake of challenges posed by the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis.

Darby's Freehouse & Restaurant, on Elsing Road in Swanton Morley, near Dereham, has shut with immediate effect following an announcement made on Monday, January 30.

The announcement cites the rise in utility costs and prices of food and drinks, as well as a downtrend in public spending habits as the reasons behind the decision to close. 

Landlord Stephen Garner, 63, said: "Utility costs pretty much quadrupled and Greene King notified us that beer prices would be raised 13%, which, unfortunately, we would have to pass on to the customer."

Darby's first opened in 1988 and Mr Garner took ownership of the premises in January 2021 and reopened the pub's doors in May 2021 following a lengthy renovation. 

Mr Garner, who also owns and operates The Cock in Dereham, said of the decision to close: "You can map the next six or 12 months out and see that it's just not viable. It would be a lot of effort in its current form to make it work.

"We had a really good run here and are proud that we managed to restore the pub's reputation and make it into what it was."

Despite the closure, Mr Garner remains hopeful that the lease will be taken up by another operator. "It's a strong, viable space for the right business. With enough enthusiasm, someone can make it work."

Renovation works including an outdoor kitchen, extended covered seating area, and upgraded gas and electric works put the building in an 'excellent state of repair', according to the owners.  

Mr Garner was keen to assure customers that The Cock in Dereham is less likely to be affected in the same way as Darby's due to lower running costs as a result of its smaller size. 

Overall, he said of the closure: "We are as disappointed as the customers who have been with us for this long, and for our staff who put in so much time and energy but who we are confident will be able to find work elsewhere."