It has been a busy first year in business for the owners of a village pub, with everything from a new children's play area to a pizza menu. 

Couple Naomi Shulver and Barry Gelder took over The Wheel of Fortune in Alpington, near Poringland south of Norwich, in March 2022 after purchasing the freehold.

There is plenty for the pair to celebrate after their first 12 months at the pub, which has become a community hub.

Norwich Evening News: There are regular community events at The Wheel at Aplington There are regular community events at The Wheel at Aplington (Image: Wheel of Fortune)

This has included setting up a pool team, sponsoring Yelverton FC and hosting live music and quiz nights. 

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The previously wet-led pub now offers stonebaked pizzas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and the pair plan to introduce breakfasts and roasts soon. 

Norwich Evening News: Stonebaked pizzas are on offer from Fridays to SundaysStonebaked pizzas are on offer from Fridays to Sundays (Image: Wheel of Fortune)

While Mr Gelder has a background in the aerospace industry, Ms Shulver has worked in many pubs and The Wheel of Fortune caught their eye due to its growth potential. 

They are currently renovating the space upstairs to rent and have built two log cabins with double beds inside for holiday stays in the garden area. 

Mr Gelder said: "We stumbled across The Wheel of Fortune from a mutual friend and it looked like a great opportunity as it has a nice bit of land with accommodation potential.

Norwich Evening News: Barry Gelder and Naomi Shulver took on the pub a year ago Barry Gelder and Naomi Shulver took on the pub a year ago (Image: Wheel of Fortune)

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"It is an unnerving time with the cost of living crisis but we seem to have lots of support from the community." 

The new children's play area will open in early April and it features a wooden fort with swings and a bumpy slide. 

Norwich Evening News: The dog station at The Wheel of Fortune in AplingtonThe dog station at The Wheel of Fortune in Aplington (Image: Wheel of Fortune)

Four-legged friends are also welcome at the pub with treats and toys at the 'Dog Station'. 

Ms Shulver said: "Locals love the fact that The Wheel of Fortune is now open again regularly and since we've been there the trade has gone up and up.

"We were also honoured to be in the finals for pub of the year at the Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards 2023."