A busy mum-of-two has turned entrepreneur to realise her dream of launching her own business.

Eastern Daily Press: Carrie Rees has opened up a new diner on the Harfreys Industrial Estate, Yarmouth called 'Jokers'Picture: Nick ButcherCarrie Rees has opened up a new diner on the Harfreys Industrial Estate, Yarmouth called 'Jokers'Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Carrie Rees has invested a five figure sum in transforming an unpromising empty warehouse into a quirky, themed diner.

Over four months the 40-year-old and her partner Russell Turrell, 42, have worked to created a haven for freshly cooked food that can be delivered, taken away or eaten in.

Every table has been hand-made to her specification, and the roughly-hewn timber theme carried through to the signage and menus.

Miss Rees, of Frederick Road, Gorleston, said opening day on Tuesday had gone better than she could have imagined.

Eastern Daily Press: Carrie Rees has opened up a new diner on the Harfreys Industrial Estate, Yarmouth called 'Jokers'Picture: Nick ButcherCarrie Rees has opened up a new diner on the Harfreys Industrial Estate, Yarmouth called 'Jokers'Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

With people queueing up from 9am there was no time for speeches or ceremony and she was quickly behind the counter, sleeves rolled up and ready to cook dozens of meals.

Having worked at nearby Jesters for some 14 years, the last four as manager, she knew the business and was able to create her own menu, adding some Mexican and Texan tastes that have gone down a storm.

But starting from scratch had presented new issues, not least having the vision to divide up the warehouse and create a welcoming setting.

She said she had wanted to branch out on her own for some time but finally plucked up the courage this year.

Eastern Daily Press: Carrie Rees has opened up a new diner on the Harfreys Industrial Estate, Yarmouth called 'Jokers'Picture: Nick ButcherCarrie Rees has opened up a new diner on the Harfreys Industrial Estate, Yarmouth called 'Jokers'Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

She said: “It has been an eye-opener and on some days it really made my brain fry, but on the opening day I only forgot two things.

“I love it and it is exactly how I imagined it. All our friends helped and if it wasn’t for them I would not be here.”

The diner in Sinclair Court on the Harfrey’s Industrial Estate aims to serve the whole community, delivering roast dinners, burger meals, breakfasts and much more as far as Hopton in the south and Caister in the north.

The family-run business, just off Gapton Hall Road, includes the couple’s eldest son Tion, 17, who is being trained up to have a firm hand on the tiller too. Their other son Kian is eight.

Jokers employs five people including delivery drivers.

It is open from 9-2pm, and 5-9pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

The diner has its own website where you can see the full menu but currently all orders have to be made in person or via 01493 650555.