The restaurant within a Norfolk whisky distillery is to reopen under new ownership after more than a year's closure.

Lucy and Grant Newland are to take over the restaurant at The English Distillery in Roudham, after the previous eatery, OakVilla, closed in April 2022.

The Grain Kitchen will open on October 9, and the menu features a traditional Sunday lunch. 

Throughout December, and once a month from January, there will be an evening service on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mrs Newland said: "It's really exciting as it has been shut for a while and it has so much potential.

Eastern Daily Press: The Grain Kitchen will open on October 9The Grain Kitchen will open on October 9 (Image: The Grain Kitchen)

"We are excited to be working closely with the distillery and hope to complement their business as well as build our own independently.

"We will be serving seasonal, local, fresh, homemade produce made in-house and are looking to support local suppliers from Norfolk as well."

READ MORE: Behind the scenes at the English Whisky Company

The couple first took over the management of The Kings Arms in Haughley, Suffolk, about seven years ago as 26-year-olds, but are ready for a new adventure in the food and drink industry.

She adds: "The local community seems to be really behind it and there is a lot of buzz. 

"We want the evening openings to be a bit more of an event - so might have wine tastings, themed nights, or a jazz band.

"We aren't changing anything as it's a pretty great space and building. 

"The last trading day at the Kings Arms is September 16, so we have two more weeks of trading and then two weeks to focus on the new business."

The Grain Kitchen is currently recruiting, bookings open on September 8, and the restaurant will be open from 9am to 4pm, seven days a week.