A Norfolk Broads pub has seen a "spectacular" start after being taken over - with customers drinking a week's worth of pints on the opening day.

Salhouse Lodge, in Vicarage Road, has reopened after being taken on by Colchester Inns and having undergone an entire refurbishment.

The local pub group owns The Recruiting Sergeant and The Rising Sun in Coltishall, the Black Boys Hotel in Aylsham and The Bucks in Blickling.

Eastern Daily Press: Salhouse Lodge its and the beer gardenSalhouse Lodge its and the beer garden (Image: Denise Bradley)

George Colchester, 25, is at the helm of the family's latest venture.

"I am really enjoying it and I love the place," he said. "It is great to be open and it is brilliant that mum and dad trust me with this. 

"The people of Salhouse were without a pub for so long and we are so grateful for their support.

"The garden has been full every day and every night has been busy and booked up.

Eastern Daily Press: The bar at Salhouse LodgeThe bar at Salhouse Lodge (Image: Denise Bradley)

Eastern Daily Press: A lobster dish at Salhouse Lodge with fresh Norfolk ingredients A lobster dish at Salhouse Lodge with fresh Norfolk ingredients (Image: Denise Bradley)

"The band on the opening day were a hit and we definitely want to be doing more live music."

With around 1,000 people turning up to the opening day, Mr Colchester "never expected quite that many".

The pub was down to its last pint of Madri after 500 were served - a supply intended to last the week.

Eastern Daily Press: The dining room at Salhouse LodgeThe dining room at Salhouse Lodge (Image: Denise Bradley)

Matthew and Nicola Colchester have been running the Recruiting Sergeant for 31 years, since they were 19, raising Grace and George in the publican trade.

Mrs Colchester, who is supporting her son with the venture, said: "It's been spectacular and with a fantastic new lease of life.

"The customers immediately came back in and life appeared again.

Eastern Daily Press: Salhouse LodgeSalhouse Lodge (Image: Denise Bradley)

"The people of Salhouse are glad to have a place to drink and be social, plus we have seen many of our regulars from our other pubs.

"Two of the rooms were booked out all week in the first week."

The Recruiting Sergeant, the group's flagship pub, has won a number of prizes, including the latest from Muddy Stilettos' 2023 public-voted awards as the best destination pub in Norfolk.