Everybody’s a friend in this pub at the heart of the community

Pub of the Week. The Crown Inn, Trunch.PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

And that's what she's promising to offer at the Crown Inn in Trunch, where she has moved with her partner, Ray Madham, 62.

The couple took over the Bateman's owned building in October, and have introduced a simple menu with pub classics –cooked on the premises.

The quirky community pub is the sixth business for pub-veteran Mrs Johnson, 56, who has been in the trade on and off since the age of 25.

Born in Kings Lynn, the mum-of-two began her public house career in Hethersett, where her father worked as a firefighter.

From there she went on to run pubs across Norfolk, taking a break to raise her sons, Nick and Phil, who are now 28.

Mrs Johnson's latest venture is at the heart of village life.

And its landlady relishes her new role.

She said: 'We spent the last two years searching for something to run together and then this came up – it's perfect.'

'There's quite a lot of elderly people in the village but they all like a good time.'

And it's not just locals who enjoy the pub's cosy atmosphere and fine ales.

Ramblers, walkers and holidaymakers are always welcomed through its doors.

The building is filled with character, from its collectable ale pumps to the warm wood stove in the centre of the room.

And the ivy-covered pub always stocks real ales including Batemans XB, Batemans Seasonal, Greene King IPA and two guest beers.

But Mrs Johnson is well aware that pubs have changed in recent years and the business has got a lot more competitive.

She said always being there to welcome people has been the secret to their success.

'It's easy just to stand there and expect people to come in, but there's got to be a reason for people to return,' she said.

And it's impossible to walk into the Crown Inn without making friends with the regulars.

The most loyal of these is 75-year-old Geoff Jackson, who has been going to the pub for 36 years.