The Duck Inn, in Stanhoe, Norfolk to get new landlords

Landlords Ben and Sarah Handley have announced that they will be stepping down from The Duck Inn in Stanhoe, west Norfolk and are looking for people with "fresh energy".

They have given six months notice period to Elgood’s Brewery, and are looking for someone to take on the business and its team.

Ben Handley of The Duck Inn. Picture: Andrew Waddison/AW PR (Image: Andrew Waddison/AW PR)

Mr Handley said: “The past few years have been particularly challenging for all of us, but we have been overwhelmed by the incredible support from all of our customers and suppliers, as well as the unwavering commitment from our amazing team.

"Sarah and myself feel that the time is now right to pass on the baton of this truly special little pub to someone else who can bring the fresh energy and ideas to take it forward yet another step, while we take a little time to rest up and reflect on a really special decade in our lives.”

The Duck Inn in Stanhoe (Image: Ian Butcher)

Since taking on the village pub in 2013, it has been named The Good Food Guide’s Best Restaurant in the East of England in 2017, finalist in GQ Magazine’s UK Pub of the Year, finalist in the Observer Food Monthly Awards seven years running for Best Sunday Lunch, as well as being regulars in the UK Top 50 Gastropubs list.

Mr Handley says the next six months will be "the best it has ever been at The Duck and will be a celebration of the last decade". 

He added: “I am very excited for what happens next and am listening to offers and ideas which put great food front and centre, so keep your eyes peeled because I’m not going away.

"In the meantime, please come and celebrate this wonderful little village pub in Stanhoe which we have been proud to call home since 2013,” he said.