David BaleA former community pub in the Golden Triangle has reopened as a gastro-pub and with a new name - after being closed for refurbishment.David Bale

A former community pub in the Golden Triangle has reopened as a gastro-pub and with a new name - after being closed for refur-bishment.

The former Rose Valley Tavern in Unthank Road, which has been shut since April, is officially reopening this weekend under the new name The Mulberry.

The watering hole has become a gastro-pub despite assurances when it was taken over in 2008 that it would remain a community boozer.

Sarah Jane Roberts, who is managing director of Indulge Ltd, a group of pubs, restaurants, bars and hotels in Norwich, which runs the pub, told The Evening News in 2008 that it would remain a 'good community local boozer'.

Today she defended the decision to turn it into a gastro-pub, and said it was still a 'community venue'.

'We would not have been as busy as we have been since we opened last week if it was not what the community wanted,' she said.

'The pub had to evolve and we had to think about everyone in the area. Some of the old locals are still coming back anyway.'

She said one of her business partners came up with the new name for the pub, which dates back to the mid-1800s when the surrounding land was all orchards.

The Indulge portfolio also includes Beluga eaterie and bar in Upper King Street, Norwich, The Langtry pub and the Langtry Rooms hotel, both in Unthank Road, and The Buck Inn in Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew.

Danny Banthorpe, Indulge's promotions manager, said: 'The Mulberry will offer a stylish neighbourhood gastro-pub/venue and a charismatic space to meet, eat and drink at anytime throughout the day and into the evening.

'Head chef Lee Havers will boast a new British menu designed to meet all culinary tastes, and the garden is a quirky urban oasis that will play host to alfresco cocktails and dining and the odd tea party too, starting with the opening day.'

The pub is holding a 'Mad Hatters' tea and garden party for its official opening from 2pm until late tomorrow.

The pub was extended to its current size in 1874. Previously owned by Lacons it was acquired by current owners, Adnam's brewery in the early 1900s.

The Evening News through our Love your Local campaign has been urging punters to use or lose local pubs.

For more stories on the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.

How do you feel about the former Rose Valley Tavern being turned into a gastro-pub? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.