Everyone from the future King Charles to a notorious mob of London gangsters has visited this remote pub in rural Norfolk.

But for at least the last three months the White Horse in Upton has been facing an uncertain future over concerns about its finances.

Before Christmas, in a bid to turn around the pub's fortunes, its owners, the White Horse Development Trust CIC, appointed five new directors including a new chairman.

The race to save the venue also saw the launch of a £25,000 fundraising campaign that has so far raised £2,250.

And now, after a light refurb, the owners are preparing to relaunch the pub on Saturday, January 13.

The refurbishment, which cost £200, included sprucing up the main bar, a fresh coat of paint and a new dartboard area, as well as a deep clean and reorganisation of the kitchen.

READ MORE: Famous Norfolk pub once visited by royalty and gangsters threatened by closure

Eastern Daily Press: Steve Walsh, the chairman of the White Horse Development Trust CIC. Steve Walsh, the chairman of the White Horse Development Trust CIC. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Chairman Steve Walsh said the work will mean a "new lease of life", making the pub feel "fresh, upbeat and uplifting".

He said the volunteers who helped with the work were "immense".

"We had a good festive period but we're still in need of donations to survive," Mr Walsh said.

The relaunch will see the pub, which is near Great Yarmouth, introduce a new chef and a new menu - with a live band playing on the night. 

Eastern Daily Press: The White Horse in Upton has been facing financial difficulties. The White Horse in Upton has been facing financial difficulties. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

READ MORE: The day a future king popped in to a Norfolk village's pub

Previously, the pub's directors have blamed their financial struggles on "difficult trading conditions" since coming out of Covid lockdowns, and soaring energy and food costs after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  

Eastern Daily Press: A flashback to the then Prince Charles chatting to pub regulars at the White Horse in 2016. A flashback to the then Prince Charles chatting to pub regulars at the White Horse in 2016. (Image: Archant)

The White Horse has been run by the community since 2012 when it was acquired by villagers after having been on the brink of closure.

Last November, a group calling itself 'Save the White Horse' called a meeting at the pub which was attended by approximately 150 concerned locals.

Eastern Daily Press: QUIET LIFE: Charlie Richardson (far left) in the bar at the White Horse with (from left) Colin Harrison, Dennis Lamb and Led and Mary Goodley. QUIET LIFE: Charlie Richardson (far left) in the bar at the White Horse with (from left) Colin Harrison, Dennis Lamb and Led and Mary Goodley. (Image: Submitted)