A closed pub is to be given a new lease of life, after being purchased by the owner of an award-winning local.

Colin Keatley, landlord of the Fat Cat on West End Street, Norwich, has purchased the Perseverance, on Adelaide Road, and is set to turn the pub into multi-purpose private function room.

Mr Keatley, who is marking his 25th year in charge of the Fat Cat, sealed a deal for the Adelaide Road venue in October, after it unexpectedly reappeared on the market. It had initially closed in April 2015.

Mr Keatley, 65, said: 'I originally thought it had been sold to a property developer, however, when it reappeared on the market I saw an opportunity, so looked around the venue and bought it.'

However, rather than turning the pub into the city's fourth Fat Cat, the 65-year-old has decided to give the venue a new purpose.

'Over the years, I have been asked by so many people to use the Fat Cat for private functions, such as wedding receptions and wakes. However, being the size and layout it is, this has never been possible.

'In the Perseverance, we will be able to offer something we haven't previously been able to offer; a private functions, with the Fat Cat flavour.'

Plans have been set in motion for a renovation of the venue, which will see the new function room maintaining the feel of a Victorian bar.

Mr Keatley is also considering the new function room, which is pencilled in for a July opening, as a potential venue for future events organised by the pub, such beer festivals.

The Perseverance is the third venue Mr Keatley has bought in recent years, In 2005 he salvaged The Wherry on Lawson Road, now the Fat Cat Brewery Tap, and in 2012 The Mustard Pot on Thorpe Road became the Fat Cat and Canary.

'I look at myself as a rescuer of pubs,' he added. 'Each new pub I have bought has been on the verge of being turned into something else, and the Perseverance was a beautiful pub that I didn't want to see knocked down.

'I'm always on the look out for potential new venues that are down and out and need rescuing.'

Do you have a pubs story? Contact David Hannant on 01603 693892.