A Norwich pub has reopened after a �15,000 makeover and the new landlord has pledged to return it to its former glory.

Ben Thompson is the new leaseholder and landlord at the Plasterers Arms in Cowgate, off Magdalen Street, and he has enlisted Scott McBride, who has moved from the Wig and Pen in St Martins Palace Plain, as his manager. The pub, which is privately owned, has undergone a whirlwind two-week makeover by an expert team of builders that has included redecorating both the inside and outside and getting new pub signs.

Mr Thompson said: 'I used to drink in the pub, which, back in the day, was one of the most popular places in the city. It was once used by Adnams, which sold it. We have restored it to what it once was. We went in and removed the carpets, stripped the floor and have redone all the furniture, and spruced up the hanging baskets outside.

'We found the man who used to do the old Adnams' signs to do us some new pub signs. We have also completely refurbished the cellar, which was in a really bad state, and we have put 15 real-ale hand pumps on, which by next week should be available.'

Mr Thompson thinks the new pub will fit in well with neighbouring properties, the Fat Cat Brewery Tap in Lawson Road and the King's Head in Magdalen Street. He added: 'We are keen to be a part of that scene, but we will not be exclusively real ales.

'We hope to be a cosy, local boozer, and to appeal to everyone in the area.'

He estimates they have spent about �15000 on the makeover, which took just a fortnight to complete.

The pub dates back to Victorian times and was once known locally, rather unfortunately, as the Knackers Arms.

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Are you opening a new pub in Norwich? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk