The head chef of a bistro and wine bar has become its new owner. 

The Blind Pig in Aylsham has a new owner, and it's someone who is already very familiar with its kitchen. 

When head chef Nick Smith heard the eatery was up for sale he decided he would "give it a crack of the whip". 

The interior of The Blind PigThe interior of The Blind Pig (Image: Denise Bradley) Originally from London, the 42-year-old has lived and worked in Norfolk for the last seven years and previously lived near Turin in Italy.

Mr Smith has previously worked at restaurants such as The Oaksmere in Diss, The Morston Anchor and The Red Lion in Cromer. 

Cocktails with a cheese and charcuterie boardCocktails with a cheese and charcuterie board (Image: The Blind Pig) Trained as a chef and baker, this will be his first time owning and running a restaurant, something he describes as "exciting, but scary". 

READ MORE: Town hotel and restaurant goes on sale for £1.75m

He added: "There's definitely good potential for the business and it can be a great addition to Aylsham.

The bistro is located on Red Lion Street in AylshamThe bistro is located on Red Lion Street in Aylsham (Image: Denise Bradley) "The devil's in the detail in this game - a place like this is all about the atmosphere and the experience of coming here."

Mr Smith's cooking centres around local, fresh ingredients and he enjoys going out and foraging in the north Norfolk countryside when he gets the time. 

Apple Jack Daniels ribs, Korean BBQ chicken, chimichurri buttered corn and friesApple Jack Daniels ribs, Korean BBQ chicken, chimichurri buttered corn and fries (Image: The Blind Pig) He plans on running specials each week and will change the menu seasonally. 

Fully aware of the cost of living crisis, the chef knows that The Blind Pig's offerings need to be of the highest quality. 

"It's higher-end, dining club style food but we will keep it affordable.

The Blind Pig is located on Red Lion StreetThe Blind Pig is located on Red Lion Street (Image: Denise Bradley) "Nobody's got as much money to spend these days so I want to make sure people feel like they are getting the full shebang for their money.

"The service has to be on point and the food has to be excellent."

The Blind Pig is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is located on Red Lion Street.