The duo behind an award-winning Norwich gin brand has taken on a countryside pub. 

Craig Allison and Rory Smith opened Gyre and Gimble in Charing Cross in the city in November 2019 and it is home to a gin distillery and bar.

It has won a whole host of accolades, including the best bar in Norfolk category at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2023. 

The business then expanded in June 2022 with a gin academy and bottle shop in the Royal Arcade.

The pair have now taken on the lease at The Walpole Arms in Itteringham, near Aylsham, with the aim to open in mid-August.

Eastern Daily Press: The Walpole Arms in Itteringham will reopen soon with new landlords The Walpole Arms in Itteringham will reopen soon with new landlords (Image: Newsquest)

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It will serve classic pub grub and a range of local wines, beers and spirits, including their range of gins, with options such as London Dry and Cherry.

Mr Allison said: "We always had in our minds to grow across multiple sites.

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"Our distillery has outgrown its current space so we will be converting a barn outside the pub. 

"It is a quintessential British pub with a big beer garden and we will be supporting local farmers and producers in our food and drink offering." 

The Walpole Arms dates back to the 18th century and it was most recently a tapas restaurant.