The landlady of a Norwich pub that is unable to reopen until at least May 17 due to its small garden has launched a deli so it can keep trading.

The Rose Inn in Queens Road remained closed as outdoor hospitality returned on April 12 as it was not feasible to open with only a handful of tables outdoors.

Norwich Evening News: Landlady Dawn Hopkins has opened The Queens Road Deli inside The Rose Inn. Picture: Danielle BoodenLandlady Dawn Hopkins has opened The Queens Road Deli inside The Rose Inn. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

While landlady Dawn Hopkins, 51, was disappointed she would have to wait a little longer to welcome back her regulars, she decided to launch The Queens Road Deli to keep the pub afloat in the meantime.

Ms Hopkins said: "It was mainly born out of frustration as we went into lockdown at the end of December and I was looking for something to do with the pub to stay trading.

Norwich Evening News: Some of the local produce available from The Rose Inn in Queens Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenSome of the local produce available from The Rose Inn in Queens Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

"It also came from comments from customers who said it would be good to have a deli around here.

"Every time there has been a new restriction we have risen to that challenge."

Norwich Evening News: Cheese from Fielding Cottage in Honingham in the deli counter. Picture: Danielle BoodenCheese from Fielding Cottage in Honingham in the deli counter. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Everything available is locally-produced and includes a deli counter with Bray's Cottage sausage rolls and pork pies, meat from Archer's Butchers, charcuterie from Marsh Pig and a range of Norfolk cheeses.

She also offers oils, sauces and condiments, which includes jams, chutneys and marmalades from Season's Bounty, located just up the road in Brancondale.

Norwich Evening News: Some of the local produce available from The Queens Road Deli at The Rose Inn in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenSome of the local produce available from The Queens Road Deli at The Rose Inn in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

The deli will stay open until closing time when the pub reopens.

Customers can also get takeaway hot and cold drinks, bottled and canned beers and stone-baked pizzas.

While The Rose Inn is a wet-led pub, Ms Hopkins started doing pizzas last July after the first lockdown and they were a lifeline when the substantial meal rule was introduced in December.

Norwich Evening News: Stone-baked pizzas available from The Rose Inn in Queens Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenStone-baked pizzas available from The Rose Inn in Queens Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Ms Hopkins is also vice-chairman of the Campaign for Pubs and has called for more government support for the hospitality industry.

She said: "Wet-led pubs are at the back of the queue, we didn't get Eat Out to Help Out, there wasn't the cut down to 5pc VAT on alcohol and generally wet-let pubs are on the smaller side with not as big beer gardens - it feels like we have been pushed to the bottom of the pile."

Norwich Evening News: RocketShip sauces are available, which is produced in Coltishall. Picture: Danielle BoodenRocketShip sauces are available, which is produced in Coltishall. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

The Queens Road Deli is open Wednesday to Saturday 12pm until 6pm.