The new tenant of a historic pub by the river is hoping to restore the site to its "former glory" - after the previous landlord was evicted.

David Howard, 65, moved to Norwich three years ago after owning multiple bars and restaurants in Tokyo during his 28-year stint there.

When he heard Gibraltar Garden closed in November last year, after the previous landlord was forced to leave by owners Stonegate, he took the opportunity to take over. 

He said he hopes his new ideas will put the boozer back on the map.

David got the keys to the pub in SeptemberDavid got the keys to the pub in September (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest) The games room at the pubThe games room at the pub (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

David, originally from Australia, said: "I was living with someone working at the pub when it closed.

"I thought it was a nice pub in a great location, Heigham Street, so I looked into it.

"After waiting eight months to get in, I got the keys in September and soft-launched a couple of weeks ago.

"There's plenty of potential with the ideas I've got for it.

The river and garden at the Gibraltar GardensThe river and garden at the Gibraltar Gardens (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

David wants to have live music back to the pubDavid wants to have live music back to the pub (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"We'll be having a coffee shop at the front during the day and a restaurant at night.

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"We'll be selling a range of bistro-style food and in terms of drinks we're sticking to lagers and spirits at the moment but will be bringing in some nice wines in the future.

David Howard said he's hoping to bring the pub back to its former gloryDavid Howard said he's hoping to bring the pub back to its former glory (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest) The cafe/restaurant area at the pubThe cafe/restaurant area at the pub (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"Outside the garden is unlike anything else in the city and is a big selling point so we're hoping to utilise this possibly with food stalls and markets there."

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David is also looking to introduce live music, events and parties - confident his ideas will bring in more punters.

"I'm hoping to bring the pub back to its former glory" he added.

"The reception has been good with people happy that the pub is open again and everyone is really enthusiastic about the direction it's headed."

David Howard, new landlord of the Gibraltar GardensDavid Howard, new landlord of the Gibraltar Gardens (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest) Gibraltar Gardens has been closed since November last yearGibraltar Gardens has been closed since November last year (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)