Norfolk: Businesses that closed their doors in January 2023

Several firms in the county fell victim to the cost of living crisis.

Here are some of the businesses in Norfolk which will not be continuing to trade in 2023.

1. The Lion pub, Somerton

Damon and Jane Frost, landlords of the Lion in Somerton, have been talking about why they had to close the pub (Image: Damon and Jane Frost)

Rising energy bills and soaring wine and beer prices forced Jane and Damon Frost, landlords of the Lion, a pub in Somerton, to close the venue's doors.

When talking about the coronavirus lockdowns, Ms Frost said: "We got over that, just, but then there was the fuel crisis, then the energy crisis, now the cost of living crisis."

Mr Frost, 43, took on a full-time job with First Bus before Christmas to help with the finances but it was not enough to keep the pub running. 

The last day of trading was Sunday, January 29.

2. The Empire Lounge Bar, Great Yarmouth

The Empire Lounge Bar, Great Yarmouth (Image: Google Maps)

The Empire Lounge Bar in Marine Parade announced it was permanently closed via its Facebook page on January 3.

The post from the nightclub on Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile read: "Thank you all for your custom over the years but we have taken the difficult decision to close our doors... wishing you all the best."

3. Frank's Bar, Norwich

Frank's Bar announcing their closure with a heartfelt message on the premises' window (Image: Maya Derrick)

In the year it was due to celebrate its 15th year in the Norwich Lanes, Frank's Bar announced its closure. 

The decision was amid the cost of living crisis, with the owners claiming that issues with renewing the lease meant they have been unable to find a new owner.

In a statement, owners and cousins James Wingfield and Ella Williams, said: "Dear friends of Frank’s Bar. It is with a very heavy heart that we bring you the sad news that our lovely little café-bar closed its doors for the very last time on Saturday, January 7.

"It has been an absolute joy being part of Norwich’s independent scene over the last 15 years."

4. Whitehouse Books, Burnham Market

Whitehouse Books (Image: Newsquest)

Whitehouse Books came to its final chapter in Burnham Market after 30 years.

The business, in Market Place, closed its doors on January 7, as the building is set to go up for sale. 

Owner Kate Bennett said the bookshop had become a little hub for the community, with locals regularly popping in.

The property is being sold and the business was asked to vacate.

5. Darby's pub, Swanton Morley

Darby's Freehouse & Restaurant (Image: Denise Bradley)

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

The announcement cited 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: "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."