Norwich: New landlords take on Gibraltar Gardens pub

Gibraltar Gardens in Heigham Street was the favourite haunt of publican Tony Dibbens' late mother during her visits to the city.

And after he heard the previous tenants were moving on, he snapped up the chance to take it on with plans to make it a family-friendly, food-focused pub with something for everyone.

Gibraltar Gardens was Tina Dibbens' favourite pub to visit in Norwich (Image: Tony Dibbens)

Mr Dibbens, who has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, said: "Gibraltar Gardens was always her favourite place to come to in Norwich when she would visit me from her home in Essex."

"It is a beautiful place with so much potential and is a great destination pub. We saw it come up and thought, why not?

"It is still early days but we have lots of exciting plans and hope to turn its fortunes around and bring it back to how we remember it and the reputation it once had."

Following a refurbishment of the kitchen, Gibraltar Gardens will offer Sunday carvery along with a main menu served seven days a week with a range of freshly-prepared dishes.

Bar snacks are also available, including sausage rolls and pastries produced by local baker Little Pie Patisserie.

Gibraltar Gardens has a large garden that looks out over the River Wensum (Image: Newsquest)

And to celebrate the opening and to help those struggling with the cost of living, drink prices have been slashed with pints of lager under £5 and spirits at £5 a double among the offers.

Along with a focus on food, Mr Dibbens wants to make the pub a destination for families with events year-round.

He already has plans in place for an Easter Sunday, including a bouncy castle and pony walking.

Norwich Paddleboard Hire will remain at its base at the Gibraltar Gardens (Image: Newsquest)

The pub will continue to work with Norwich Paddleboard Hire, which offers board rental and lessons on the River Wensum. 

Mr Dibbens added: "We are really keen to form a good relationship with our neighbours so we hope to work with them to make our garden events a success."

A free function space is also on offer and the pub has already been inundated with bookings. 

By next year, a revamp of its four guest rooms should be completed with the rooms to be offered as Airbnb accommodation.

Gibraltar Gardens is open seven days a week from noon to late.