The doors of south Norwich pub the Marsh Harrier have opened again after a speedy four days of work to complete a �130,000 renovation.

New life has been breathed into the Victorian building, in Ipswich Road, Harford, by owners Vintage Inns. A new restaurant area along with new seating and outdoor furniture are among the improvements.

The renovation has created 10 new jobs, made up of front-of-house staff and extra sous chefs, as well as the original staff being retained.

Landlord Andy Ratcliffe is hoping the renovation will herald a new era for the pub, saying: 'The renovations will make a very big difference to the overall mood and ambience – and guests old and new are sure to love it.

'We have a clean, contemporary look, but it is a loving and tasteful restoration in keeping with the character of the building. The 'olde worlde' charm still prevails, but we also provide the modern comforts and amenities that guests come to expect.

'It's a best of both worlds approach.'

The inn was originally known as The King of Prussia in 1840, when it was a small cafe with tea garden, but the building was later run as an inn named George IV until war broke out in 1914, before eventually becoming The Marsh Harrier later in the 20th century.

Now the inn also hopes to offer a fine dining experience to help it compete in Norwich. Mr Ratcliffe added: 'We will have a private and designated dining area within the traditional pub environment.'

The pub reopened to the public yesterday, and also held a gala evening for around 100 invited guests on Thursday evening, with jazz, food and beer tastings. A raffle and charity auction was held to raise money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

For more on The Marsh Harrier, and to book a table, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/themarshharriernorwich

The Evening News is backing local pubs through its Love Your Local Campaign. To find out more log on to www.eveningnews24.co.uk/ loveyourlocal.

Do you think your pub has the history, character and regulars to make it as our Pub of the Week? Call David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk