The Bell in Marlingford near Norwich under new management

The Bell in Marlingford left the community in the village on the edge of the city reeling after the sudden closure at the start of the year was announced in a post on social media.

Three months later delighted new tenants Mandy Beard, 52, and Simon Snelling, 53, who have moved to the area from Cambridgeshire, have reopened the Bawburgh Road pub.

Mandy Beard and Simon Snelling have decades of hospitality experience between them (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Everyone seems over the moon that the pub has reopened again," said Mandy, who is originally from Wales.

"The locals are amazing and we have had fantastic support!"

With many decades of hospitality experience between them, Mandy and Simon were initially unsure that taking on the business was for them.

The Bell was shut for several months following the shock departure of the previous tenants in January (Image: Denise Bradley)

"We were told by a friend that the pub was looking for new tenants," said Mandy.

"At first I wasn't sure, but I got a warm feeling when I walked through the door.

"It was like coming home, it just felt right."

It just felt right, said Mandy (Image: Denise Bradley)

While the pub has only been open since April 12, Mandy has been blown away by the reception they have received.

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"We have had a very busy start," she said.

"Friday night is superb - the locals all come in together and fill the bar!"

After the sudden closure in January, Paul Hammerton, vice-chairman of Marlingford and Colton Parish Council, had said: "The pub has been the main social centre of the village for many years.

"For a village with virtually no public transport, having somewhere for villagers to meet is important."

The pub is looking for a chef so that it can start offering food to customers (Image: Denise Bradley)

At the moment the pub - which is dog-friendly - is only offering drinks, but Mandy confirmed that they have plans to hire a chef.

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"In the meantime, we will have food trailers booked and serving meals in our car park," she added.

The couple already has several events planned, including live music from local bands and musicians.

The Bell is open between midday and 11pm Monday to Saturday and midday and 9pm on Sundays.