Stage two of Great Yarmouth's Iron Duke restoration underway

The people behind the Iron Duke on Jellicoe Road have said they aim to "bring a bit of glitz and glamour" to the north end of the seafront as it moves one step closer to becoming a New York-style bar and restaurant.

With a target of a winter 2025 opening, the Grade II-listed building will be a multi-use venue to become a destination site, aiming to boost the area's economy and ensure the building's ongoing preservation.

Inside one of the old bar areas of the Iron Duke. (Image: Denise Bradley)Members of the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust (GYPT), who own the building, led a group of people, including councillors, funders and operators around the site on Thursday, celebrating the completion of its recent £200,000 roof repairs.

GYPT chairman Bernard Williamson said: "We see this as the completion of stage one. And now we move onto stage two where the interior will restored."

Using remaining fixtures and fittings, as well as photos from its heyday, the developers aim to "faithfully restore" the inside. The ground floor will contain a chop house restaurant and a bar area with decor accentuating the building's Art Deco design.

A corner window inside the Art Deco Iron Duke building, Great Yarmouth. (Image: Denise Bradley)Operators Ian Hacon and Chris Carr, from the Norfolk restaurant chain Zaks, said they are currently assessing plans for the building's other areas, but holiday lets will be built on the second floor.

The view from the top of the Iron Duke. (Image: Denise Bradley)"There is so much space down in the basement, it would be criminal not to do something with it," Mr Carr said.

"We're keeping an open mind right now, but we have lots of ideas. But this building is ideal for being a leisure multisite where people can come here to eat, have a drink and have fun.

"If it’s got a bit of everything, everyone gets to use it."

Ian Hacon and Chris Carr in the Iron Duke's basement. (Image: Denise Bradley)Also attending the viewing was Leonie Hacon who lived at the Iron Duke several times in the 1980s when her parents - Leonard and Paula Jones - held licences at the seashore holiday camp.

She said she still has vivid memories of her 10th birthday party in the main bar and sneaking onto the roof without her parent's knowledge.

Leonie Hacon at the bar of the Iron Duke. (Image: Denise Bradley)“As soon as Ian told me he had become an operator of the place, I was so excited," Mrs Hacon said. 

"It is a great building - and it holds many memories for me - and I am really pleased to see the plans for the place.”

The Iron Duke is expected to open as a bar and restaurant at the end of 2025. (Image: Denise Bradley)Lacons, the pub's original owner, is also on board to provide the beer for the new venture.

Mr Hacon added: "Chris and I can’t wait to get in here. It is a slow process, but the building’s restoration is the most important thing. It’s not something anyone wants to rush. It has to be spot on and I’m sure it will all be worth the wait."

Chris Carr and Ian Hacon inside the Iron Duke. (Image: Denise Bradley)Finance-wise, the GYPT will be applying for grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to cover the interior renovations.

Mr Williamson added: "It’s a really exciting project and will be a significant economic driver in the area.

"There is a small percentage of people who feel it should be a wet pub only. But not many businesses like that survive today. There were early considerations but we were advised it wouldn’t be a sustainable business model and the future of this building is absolutely essential.

GYPT chairman Bernard Williamson and executive manager Darren Barker in front of the Iron Duke. (Image: Denise Bradley)"We held two public consultations over the past 18 months. At the second one, people were 96pc in favour of The Iron Duke becoming a bar and restaurant.  

"And we believe a multiuse venue will help the building survive for many years to come."

The Friends of Iron Duke group have long campaigned for the pub to reopen and ensured it became a listed building.

The ground floor hallway of the Iron Duke. (Image: Denise Bradley)The Iron Duke's roof has recently been repaired. (Image: Denise Bradley)