King's Head in Hethersett to reopen in July under new owners

The King's Head in Hethersett will be holding a grand reopening in under two weeks, with veteran publican Paul Murfitt at the helm. 

The Norwich Road pub announced its closure earlier this year. Since last June, it had been run by Jill Tickle, who also owned the Green Dragon, in Wymondham.

She blamed a "crippled" hospitality industry for the unexpected closure.  

But Mr Murfitt has breathed new life into the premises, saying it will be "absolutely unique" from any other, once it reopens. 

Paul Murfitt (middle) with team members Ella Stock and Elliot Martin, outside the soon-to-open Kings Head Hethersett (Image: Paul Murfitt)

"We are entirely food driven," he said.

"While we will remain a traditional pub and bar, the focus will be on serving a locally sourced, all-fresh, from-scratch menu."

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"But people will still be able to come in for just a drink and a chat after work."

With more than 40 years in the service industry, Mr Murfitt's other ventures include running The Gamekeeper in Old Buckenham, as well as heading up management at pubs in Downham Market and Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. 

The pub will be hosting a pre-opening party on Tuesday, July 18 (Image: Paul Murfitt)

Inside, the King's Head has received a new coat of paint, as well as renovation of the dining area, which the new landlord says gives it a more "grown-up" feel. 

On the immediate future, Mr Murfitt said: "We hope to become the premium community pub in the area, and to be known as a go-to dining destination for people in places such as Wymondham as well as west Norwich and Hethersett."

The pub will be hosting a pre-opening party at 6pm on Tuesday, July 18 with Pimms and nibbles.