David BaleA popular city pub is opening its bar to businesses involved in house-hunting to help people in the Golden Triangle find a new home.David Bale

A popular city pub is opening its bar to businesses involved in house-hunting to help people in the Golden Triangle find a new home.

Nick De'Ath, who owns The Unthank Arms in Newmarket Street, is letting an estate agent, a solicitor, a Home Information Pack (HIP) provider and a mortgage broker use his pub for two weekends.

He said: 'The most popular request will probably be 'A pint, a bag of nuts and a-bedroom terrace please'.'

Mr De'Ath said he was introducing the initiative because The Golden Triangle was a popular place to live and houses there tended to sell quickly.

He said: 'Homeowners get lots of leaflets through their door but what they really need is living, breathing experts they can talk to in an informal setting. By hosting these surgeries, we allow homeowners to get information on neutral ground.

'Experts will be available to offer advice on estate agency services, conveyancing, arranging HIPs and mortgages.'

Pubs were at the heart of both rural and urban communities and ideally placed to provide customers with a host of facilities, he said.

'From the traditional pint and food through charity coffee mornings and celebrations to our annual comedy festival we're always looking for ways to bring new services direct to our customers,' he added.

Among those who have taken up Mr De'Ath's offer is Chris Sargisson, who runs estate agency, House Revolution.

He said: 'Moving home, apparently, can be one of the most stressful things to do. So why make it difficult for yourself? Nick and I have put together a panel of local experts to give you advice and guidance to help you plan your move and understand the cost involved but best of all, it's in the local pub.

'Anyone can pop along and find out what their current home is likely to be worth and how to move home for the lowest possible cost, whilst using expert local companies.'

Other companies attending will be conveyancing solicitors Kester, Cunningham and John, HIP provider Anglia Home Surveys and mortgage broker Mortgage Review.

The pub will be offering the service initially over two weekends, Saturday, January 30 and Saturday, February 6, between 10am and 12.30pm, but, if successful, it could run similar events throughout the year.

The Evening News has, through our Love Your Local campaign, been highlighting the need for people to support their local pubs or risk them closing for good.

To see previous stories from our campaign log on to www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.

What plans has your pub got for 2010? Call Evening News reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.

Are you househunting? Find your perfect home to buy at www.homes24.co.uk