Popular haunt gets new look


25 November 2005 12:21

One of Norwich's most haunted pubs will be getting a new lease of life when it opens on Monday after a massive revamp.

The Hog In Armour in Charring Cross, has been taken over by new owners who have big plans.

While the drinking hole is thought to be plagued by restless spirits, new owners Aidan Mahon, formerly of Delaney's, and Kevin Gardner, who owns the Kings Head in Coltishall, are confident the ghouls will be pleased with the changes.

The pub's paranormal past has not yet begun to haunt its new landlords who have embarked on a three phase plan to revamp the building.

Mr Mahon said: "I was told it is the most haunted pub in Norwich but I'm not sure I really believe in all that. We've had an exploding boiler so maybe that had something to do with it. If there are any ghosts here I think they are being very co-operative. I expect they will be glad to see the changes we are bringing in.

"We have already transformed the main downstairs bar area which now has a modern rustic feel to it with leather sofas and long wooden tables.

"The next phase will be to modernise the upstairs which will be very contemporary.

"Our designer is Peter Snell who has worked on The Last Wine Bar and Delaney's in Norwich. The final phase will be to transform the loading bay at the back into a new restaurant.

"We are very keen to see pubs in Norwich regenerated and we hope people will be pleased with what we have done with the Hog in Armour."

The pub dates back to 1760 when it was called The Pigeons, however it was knocked down and rebuilt in 1891. It has been called the Hog in Armour since 1977.

Pub historian Derek McDonald said: "I am always pleased to see pubs refurbished and I think this is a very good move for the Hog in Armour. It has always been a very popular pub so I am sure it will do very well. The worst thing that can happen to a pub is for it to be knocked down because then a piece of history is lost forever so I am always pleased to see people keen to keep them going."

The newly refurbished pub launches with a private party on Sunday and will be open to the public from Monday.

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