New tenants for Suffolk pub

A popular north Suffolk pub which closed suddenly is to get new tenants, it was confirmed last night.

Local people spoke of their surprise after a notice at The Queen's Head at Blyford, near Halesworth, said it had closed due to unforeseen circumstances.

The 15th century Adnams inn had been run by husband and wife Paul and Caroline Freeman since February 2009.

The couple decided their business would be self-sufficient and created a small-holding at the back of the pub to supply ingredients for the kitchen, which included everything from chickens and bees for honey, to a varied selection of fruit and vegetables.

Emma Hibbert, Adnams head of corporate affairs, confirmed the pub had temporarily closed but said it would soon reopen with new tenants.

She said: 'It is closed at the moment. It closed just before Christmas. The tenants in there left for personal reasons. We are just about to install new tenants who are existing Adnams tenants. We are looking to get somebody in late spring

'We are taking the opportunity while it is closed to do some minor refurbishment.'

Ronald Humphreys, from Blythburgh, travels past the pub on his way to Halesworth and said he was surprised to learn it had closed.

He said: 'They had several chicken runs out on the green outside the pub. It was a joy to see the place being used – it was so busy.

'There were lots of people going there and it seemed to have really taken off. Then all of a sudden at New Year everything had gone.

'There was a notice from Adnams saying it was closed due to unforeseen circumstances.'

He added: 'I was surprised to see it had closed suddenly. It was very well used. It is just a shame, somebody had made such an effort and all of a sudden they had gone.'

Mr and Mrs Freeman came to The Queen's Head after running The Shannon at Bucklesham, near Ipswich.

The couple were unavailable for comment last night.