Popular landlords at Kings Arms in Norwich quitting after a decade in charge
Kings Arms landlords Rik and Michaela Roberts who are leaving the Hall Riad pub. Picture: Simon Finlay - Credit: Archant Norfolk
In the 10 years that Michaela and Rik Roberts have been in charge at the Kings Arms in Hall Road, Norwich City have gone up and down the leagues several times.
The couple also got married, but they are calling it quits at the end of the month, with the new tenants at the Bateman's Brewery-owned pub, taking over on January 27.
Mrs Roberts worked for the previous landlords at the pub for two years, so she will be leaving after 12 years there.
She said: 'We have had a great time but we need a new challenge. Rik runs his own fruit machines/ pool table business, Independent Leisure, anyway.
'We think it's time to move on. There has been a decline in the area. We used to have a butcher, baker and post office near to us. While night-time and football trade is fantastic, daytime trade has dwindled. I will have a time out to start with, but I might return to the trade later.'
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The couple, who have been living at the pub, are moving to Hockering, and Mrs Roberts said she was looking forward to a few 'lay-ins'.
'I will miss the locals and friends, and the social side of it,' she added. 'I think some of the hardcore locals are a bit upset we're leaving, but I'm sure the new people will take care of them.
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'I'm looking forward to going on holiday without worrying about the pub, which always came first, and catching up with my family, a lot of whom live in Jersey, and I can spend time with my mum.'
The Evening News has been urging people to return to pubs in our Love your Local campaign. To see more stories from the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal
Is someone arriving or leaving at your local? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk
