Pub where Nelson once drank could reopen in spring

A pub where Nelson was once a regular could reopen in late spring.

Brewery Greene King reposessed the Lord Nelson, at Burnham Thorpe, in September, after a dispute with tenants.

Memorabilia and other fittings were removed from the 17th Century Inn. But settles which the great seafarer is believed to have sat on remained in situ.

Greene King said it would be refurbishing the building in sympathy with its heritage before re-opening it.

A spokesman for the brewery said: 'Our intention is to be in a position to reopen by the late spring, subject to all planning consents being approved.

'We are already in discussions with a number of interested operators and we will accelerate this process next month when we formally advertise this exciting business opportunity.

'We are working hard to be in position to submit plans for approval to redevelop and refurbish the building.

'We are keen to remain loyal and sympathetic to its heritage and place in the community.

'We are in close contact with local people in the village as well as Lord Nelson societies and groups and keeping them updated as much as we can on our progress.

'We are optimistic of being able to restore and return the previously damaged settles as well as sourcing replacement historic artefacts for the pub.'

Originally called The Plough, the inn was named after Nelson in 1798 after his victory over the French at the Battle of the Nile.

Nelson was born in a stone's throw from the pub in Burnham Thorpe in 1758. He frequently returned to the village before his death at the Battle of Trafalgar, in 1805.

Are you bringing a pub back to life? Email chris.bishop@archant.co.uk