A former teacher is hoping to turn around the fortunes of a village pub by offering one of the cheapest pints in Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: The pub, which dates back to 1789, has opened and closed several times over the past six years under various leaseholders. Photo: Simon Finlay.The pub, which dates back to 1789, has opened and closed several times over the past six years under various leaseholders. Photo: Simon Finlay. (Image: Archant � 2009)

Terry Holt purchased the freehold to The Bell in Salhouse this month after it was put up for sale by Ei Publican Partnerships.

The pub, which dates back to 1789, has opened and closed several times over the past six years under various leaseholders.

But Mr Holt, who also owns the successful King's Head pub at Lingwood, believes he can make it work.

And the 59-year-old is hoping that his cheap beer prices - from £3 a pint - will bring in the customers.

'It has always been a nice attractive pub, and it is in a pleasant area, so it should do well,' he said.

'But it needs to give people a reason to go there and not have to spend a fortune to enjoy themselves.'

Mr Holt, who taught at what is now Acle Academy for 35 years, said he aimed to turn The Bell into a 'good value-for-money' pub.

He claimed that his prices, which include a pint of Greene King's IPA Smooth for £3, are some of the cheapest in the county, excluding social clubs.

The most expensive he has on tap is for a pint of San Miguel lager at £3.40.

Mr Holt said he is only able to charge such low rates as he owns the freehold to the premises.

'I deal with five different breweries and I tell them what I will pay for things,' he added.

'They know that if I don't get it for that price, I will go somewhere else.'

The pub, on Lower Street, is currently open Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 10.30pm, and midday to 5pm on Sundays.

But Mr Holt said he will need to spend thousands of pounds on the premises before it can properly reopen in the coming weeks.

'We are gradually cleaning and repairing everything that is worn or damaged,' he said.

'Eventually we want to do lots of things that involve the community, like bingo, cribbage and darts.'

Mr Holt said the pub will begin serving 'good, traditional' food once he has employed a chef.

He has reemployed some of the pub's former staff and hopes to take on even more as it grows in the future.

It is understood that the pub was sold for more than £200,000.

• Are you taking on a new pub? Email luke.powell@archant.co.uk