RICHARD BATSON A well-known Norfolk gastropub has new owners but customers have been told they will not see any changes. Some of the original investors in the Walpole Arms at Itteringham, near Aylsham, have sold up seven years after the company was set up, and the new majority shareholders are a couple who run a pub in Suffolk.

RICHARD BATSON

A well-known Norfolk gastropub has new owners but customers have been told they will not see any changes.

Some of the original investors in the Walpole Arms at Itteringham, near Aylsham, have sold up seven years after the company was set up, and the new majority shareholders are a couple who run a pub in Suffolk.

Alan and Cheryl Sayers have pledged to keep the Walpole as it is, including retaining those who have contributed to its success.

Former TV Masterchef producer Richard Bryan steps down as managing director, but will remain a shareholder and involved with the pub.

Award-winning chef Andy Parle stays on the board and in charge of the Walpole kitchen as executive chef, with his number two Jamie Guy promoted to head chef. Mr Parle also takes the role of executive chef at the Sayers' other pub, the Marquis of Cornwallis in Layham.

Keith Reeves, owner of Oulton-based wine merchant Weavers Way Wines and an EDP wine columnist, will remain a shareholder and responsible for the wine list at both pubs.

Walpole manager Christian Hodgkinson and restaurant manager Jurgen Batz are also staying.

Mr Sayers said: "We would be mad to make changes to a successful formula."