Rackheath pub the Sole and Heel has been sold to new owners

The Sole and Heel in Rackheath closed in 2022 after its landlady died and has remained empty ever since.

The Sole and Heel pub in Rackheath has been sold to a mystery buyer (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

It comes hot on the heels of the nearby development of 202 homes, known as the Prince's Park development, off Salhouse Road and Green Lane West - with as many as 4,000 more earmarked for the village.

Rackheath parish and district councillor, Fran Whymark, who lives around the corner from the pub is hopeful the new owners can bring back good memories for all those new to the area.

"It's fantastic news," said Mr Whymark, who is leader of the Conservative group at Broadland District Council.

Fran Whymark, Rackheath parish and district councillor, said the news of the pub being sold was fantastic (Image: Archant)

"It's great for the community because it was a real shame not to have a nice pub within walking distance here.

"I used to love visiting and talking to people over a pint or two - it was just a great community centre.

"I've got a lot of happy memories of the pub with all the different events it had on.

The new houses built in Prince's Park development, next to the Sole and Heel pub (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

"With all the new houses going up around as well, it would be great for them to experience it and make their own memories.

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"I hope it will give us a chance to build a bigger and stronger community which is really important.

The hope is that the new owners will be able to bring the ever expanding community together (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

"I'm really looking forward to it being revamped, reopened and having a drink."

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Property company Fleurets was advertising the freehold as being available for a guide price of £325,000, ahead of a final viewing session on February 13.

The 1930s art-deco-styled pub has a garden, car park and private accommodation on the first floor. 

Prior to closing in 2022, it averaged a rating of 4.5 out of five on Google and was described as a "lovely pub" offering an "excellent Sunday lunch".

The pub closed in 2022 after the landlady died (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)