Standing in an idyllic location on the bank of the River Yare, looking out over Norfolk’s flat plains, this beautiful oak and stone fronted pub has been unloved for a while. Unfortunately, since its closure, many other businesses in the vicinity have struggled to attract the passing custom that breathes life into a small village with a population of just 900.
Enter brothers John and Michael Higginson. They are a team who are not shy of a challenge. And the Lord Nelson, latest pub in their six strong portfolio, is certainly challenging.
“When the Wellington Pub Company showed us The Lord Nelson, we jumped on it straight away,” explains John, “It’s a gut feeling really, most people will have looked at this and thought there’s far too much work involved in getting it ready to open. But we fell in love with it.
“It’s going to take us a good six months to refurbish it, but once complete, we hope it will breathe life into Reedham once more. It occupies such a prominent position by the river that you can’t help but notice it as you pass by. It gives people a reason to stop and experience the village.
“That’s not to say that this is a wholly altruistic project, we obviously need to make it work. Throughout our portfolio of North Norfolk pubs, we work with local producers of beer and food. The Lord Nelson will be an ale pub with a focus on good quality freshly prepared pub food. Add live music into the mix and I believe we’ll have a recipe for success.”
The Lord Nelson is the second Wellington Pub Company property in the brothers’ portfolio. And they don’t plan for it to be their last.
“The Wellington Pub Company are so easy to deal with,” continued John, “We just deliver our business plan and receive an answer very quickly. They have a true entrepreneurial spirit and that shows though. You feel that they really want you to succeed and they don’t stand in your way. As long as the figures add up, they’re right behind you, 100%”.