A city pub which closed following the departure of its two landlords who were the victims of a homophobic attack last December, is due to reopen soon.

Jesse Charlebois and David Hayes, landlords at Kings in King Street, were punched and kicked by a gang of 15 men after they asked them to leave the pub on Saturday, December 21.

The landlords, who had only been at the pub about four months, were subjected to homophobic abuse and suffered scratches, bruises and concussion as a result of the attack at about 5.30pm.

Seven people were arrested at the time and a 34-year-old man was later cautioned by police for using threatening behaviour.

Both former landlords were unavailable for comment, but an Enterprise Inns spokesman said: 'We are pleased to confirm that Kings is currently undergoing a refurbishment and will be reopening very soon.

'We hope that members of the community will visit when it reopens to appreciate the transformation this great pub has undergone and show their support for the new publican.'

As reported, the venue only had a handful of customers when the attack took place and the then landlords said that when a group started throwing items around, they asked them to leave. However, they refused and shouted abuse.

Mr Charlebois was punched in the head several times and had a scan at hospital for a suspected broken cheekbone. Mr Hayes suffered bruises and concussion and was grabbed by the hair by one of the attackers.

Mr Hayes said at the time the men targeted them after realising they were gay. Following the assault, the landlords said they received messages of support from France, Australia and Florida.

The pub was originally called the Nags Head, but it has also been known as Tusks and Barrio. It was named Kings in 2002.

The Evening News has been urging people to return to pubs in our Love your Local campaign.

To see more stories from the campaign go to www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal

Have you got a story about a Norwich pub? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk