Couple hope to turn around Norwich pub after poor reputation

Claire and Nigel Thrower, new landlords of the Fiveways pub. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The Fiveways pub in Earlham is now the only pub left standing in the area after the The Grove, The Shoemaker and the Marl Pit closed.

Over the years Fiveways had earned a bad reputation before Claire and Nigel Thrower stepped in to revive its fortunes.

The couple took over the pub seven months ago and are already seeing the fruits of their labour.

Mrs Thrower said: 'The pub had the same old regulars but it need some TLC. Sometimes the atmosphere made it seem unwelcoming.

Claire and Nigel Thrower, new landlords of the Fiveways pub. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

'We came in and gave everyone a clean slate. In the first two weeks we had to ban a lot of people.

'Now we are getting a lot of new faces and students, which it never had before.'

Mrs Thrower says that the UEA used to tell students not to go to the pub which she soon changed by contacting the university and its paper to build relations.

'We have also got in touch with the university's radio station and music societies,' she added. 'Now Tuesday night is the student night with offers and music.'

The pub has started serving food and has been redecorated, with a lick of paint, new signage and lighting. The couple have brought live music to the pub, inviting acts from the UEA and its societies to perform. There is even talk of having a campus gig in the pub.

Mrs Thrower said: 'Even little things like social media. We now have a Facebook page and a website, as well as sports showing in the pub.

'We have a five year tenancy here and we are trying to dent the previous reputation. What we have been hearing from people so far seems to be positive.

'We are just trying to get the pub back to what it should be. The Fiveways is the only pub left in the area now and we want to get it back to the family-friendly pub that it used to be.'