Most restoration projects can throw up the most unusual of secrets – and the renovation of a city pub is proving no different.
Teams involved in the scheme to bring back the Marlpit pub have unearthed several fascinating artefacts from the buildings's past.
Hidden doorways, a full-sized crazy golf course and a collection of vinyl records are among the finds, since work began at the site, which closed as a pub 18 months ago.
This weekend, an open day is being held at the premises, on Hellesdon Road, for locals to learn more about the ambitious scheme to bring back the pub.
Owner Cécile Bidet said: 'It's a chance for the community, and extended community to see behind the scenes what we are doing and meet me and my team. I have met so many local residents who have been supportive, and I'm looking forward to finding out even more about what people want for their pub.'
The Marlpit, which will eventually reopen as the Marlpit Arms in 2016, was the first of Norwich's closed-down pubs to be listed as an asset of community value – giving it a degree of protection.
Since then, locals have helped chip in with the work to bring the building back to its former glory. Some of the treasures found so far include the pub's original wooden shutters, a sealed off door to the women's toilets, and wallpaper from the 1960s. People are invited to the free open day from 2-8pm this Saturday. There will be a hog roast and curry on the day as well as a selection of ale.
The Norwich Evening News has, through its Love Your Local campaign, been urging people to make use of their local pubs, or risk losing them.
Have you made an interesting discovery while carrying out restoration work? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684
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