An East Anglian pubs group has expanded its footprint in north Norfolk after snapping up two coastal hostelries.

Chestnut Group boss and founder Philip Turner said he has known The Lifeboat Inn and The Chequers Inn in Thornham for many years, and taking them on was "a privilege".

The group - based in Bury St Edmunds - now has 18 properties and has been growing quickly in response to demand.

The latest acquisition adds another 28 bedrooms to its tally. The pubs' employees will continue under the group and guest room bookings and table reservations will remain in place.

Eastern Daily Press:

Agellus Hotels - which owned The Chequers and The Lifeboat as well as Tuddenham Mill in Suffolk - welcomed the deal.

The group - owned by husband and wife team Mark and Rachel Harrod - also thanked staff for their dedication.

“Agellus and Chestnut have a proven track record of business activity in past years. As a board of directors, we share the belief that this will enable the further development of the team and the Norfolk business itself," they said.

"It has been a privilege for the Harrod family and the team to be part of two iconic establishments for the past nine years and we thank all the team for their dedication.”

In 2018 Chestnut acquired The Ship at Dunwich and The Westleton Crown on the Suffolk coast from Agellus Hotels and aimed for a seamless transition. Both pubs have since benefited from
"significant" investment, said the company.

"Chestnut will welcome the new team members from both pubs and looks forward to working with them to take the businesses to the next stage," it added.

The group is due to open its largest development project to date - The Maltings at Weybourne near Blakeney - this summer. It has 28 bedrooms and a barn-style restaurant and bar overlooking the sea.

“We acquired our first property in Norfolk one week prior to lockdown, not an ideal start to the journey," said Mr Turner.

"During Covid we acquired five assets to capitalise on the growth of tourism in the region and the more permanent “work from home” lifestyle.

"Building community around our properties is a huge priority for us which we tend to do through The Giving Tree – our charitable foundation - as well as ‘loyal local’ cards and winter coffee and cake mornings."

The group now employs more than 200 people and takes its role as a significant regional employer seriously, he added, and was also keen to promote north Norfolk as a go-to destination.

"I have known both these pubs for many years and feel privileged that Chestnut has the chance to be part of their future,” he said.

Chestnut has recently taken on Rob Spillings as head of operations in Norfolk to help drive the expanding business.