Elsing: Mermaid Inn pub to become café, restaurant and deli

The Mermaid Inn, in Elsing near Dereham, may have lost its pub status but its new owners are hoping to breathe new life into this historic site.

Work is currently underway to transform the pub - believed to have been built in 1540 - as it becomes the Lemon and Rosemary Yard. 

The Mermaid Inn, in Elsing, will soon reopen as the Lemon and Rosemary Yard (Image: Abbi Saunt)

It is owned by business partners Abbi Saunt and Alexandra Wrzava who will be bringing their years of expertise in the hospitality industry. 

Ms Saunt, former head chef at Creake Abbey Food Hall and Cafe, said: "The Mermaid Inn has been shut for the last two years and we had been looking for a venue so we approached the owners to share our ideas with them.

"And they loved it. They are really on board with what we want to do.

"Pubs are, unfortunately, a dying breed in villages these days and the Mermaid Inn is such a beautiful building.

"We just really want to create a new and fresh hub for the community."

The former Mermaid Inn - now named the Lemon and Rosemary Yard - has been taken over by Abbi Saunt (right) and Alexandra Wrzava (left) (Image: Abbi Saunt)

Ms Wrzava, 40, also previously worked at Creake Abbey Food Hall as manager before the business closed earlier this year.

And the duo say they are hoping their former customers will come along to visit them when the Lemon and Rosemary Yard opens at the start of December.

Ms Saunt, who will remain as head chef, says the menu will be inspired by Norfolk's fresh and seasonal produce, with bright colours and flavours.

They will also offer Sunday roasts - which Ms Saunt said were very popular at Creake Abbey.

In the cafe, visitors will be able to enjoy hot drinks, cakes and lighter food offerings.

But the restaurant section will offer more of a dining experience.

The former Mermaid Inn, in Elsing, is to become a restaurant serving fresh and seasonal produce (Image: Abbi Saunt)

There will also be a small shop with everyday essentials including freshly baked bread, pastries, and a deli counter with meats and cheeses.

Ms Saunt, 34, added: "We know it was a pub but we want people to know they can still come in to have a beer or glass of wine. 

"We want this to be something for everyone to enjoy in time for the Christmas period.

"We have been overwhelmed with the amount of we have received and we have had lovely feedback from locals who are happy to see it open again.

"We are really excited."

Bookings for the Lemon and Rosemary Yard will open next week.