Two friends who run an award-winning gin distillery and bar in Norwich have mixed things up by adding a pub to their portfolio. 

Craig Allison, 35, and Rory Smith, 30, are the new tenants at The Walpole Arms in Itteringham, near Aylsham, which dates back to 1813.

The pair is also behind the Gyre and Gimble gin distillery and bar in Charing Cross in Norwich, which opened in November 2019.

Eastern Daily Press: The Walpole Arms in Itteringham dates back to 1813 Picture: Sonya DuncanThe Walpole Arms in Itteringham dates back to 1813 Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

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It has won several accolades, including being named the best bar in Norfolk at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2023. 

The business grew in June 2022 with a gin academy and bottle shop in the Royal Arcade.

Eastern Daily Press: The duo behind gin brand Gyre and Gimble have taken on The Walpole Arms Picture: Sonya DuncanThe duo behind gin brand Gyre and Gimble have taken on The Walpole Arms Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Looking to expand again, Mr Allison and Mr Smith were drawn to The Walpole Arms in particular due to its outbuildings, with plans to relocate their distillery there over the next year to meet demand.

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Mr Allison said: "It is a quintessentially British pub filled with character in a beautiful part of the world and not many pubs in Norfolk could house a distillery. 

Eastern Daily Press: Kellie Sheridan, general manager, Sam Rush, head chef, and Craig Allison, co-owner of The Walpole Arms and Gyre and Gimble Picture: Sonya DuncanKellie Sheridan, general manager, Sam Rush, head chef, and Craig Allison, co-owner of The Walpole Arms and Gyre and Gimble Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

"Our opening weekend was incredible and at our locals night last Thursday we had around 200 people there."

The Walpole Arms, which was previously a tapas restaurant, now serves a menu utilising local produce, with dishes such as peppered beef rump, chargrilled pork chop and fillet of grey mullet.

Eastern Daily Press: The chargrilled pork chop dish at The Walpole Arms, ItteringhamThe chargrilled pork chop dish at The Walpole Arms, Itteringham (Image: The Walpole Arms)

The drinks available include local ales and Gyre and Gimble's full gin range, with the latter also used to cure and flavour some of the dishes. 

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The main changes to the building are a new kitchen and a revamped dining area.

Eastern Daily Press: Inside The Walpole Arms pub in Itteringham Picture: Sonya DuncanInside The Walpole Arms pub in Itteringham Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Allison added: "As well as moving the distillery, we have a big garden where we want to build a children's play area and outdoor kitchen." 

The Walpole Arms is open 12noon-10pm Wednesday to Sunday for drinks.

Food is served 12pm-2.30pm and 5.30pm-9.30pm Wednesday to Friday, 12noon-9.30pm on Saturdays and 12noon-2.30pm on Sundays for roasts - book at thewalpolearms.co.uk