A city centre boozer is reopening its doors after an entrepreneurial couple snapped up the business and gave it a major overhaul.

The Steam Packet, in Crown Road, closed in October 2020 when its former landlord decided to retire.

Norwich Evening News: The outside of the Steam Packet pub in Norwich after it was refurbished inside and out by new owners Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson in late 2022The outside of the Steam Packet pub in Norwich after it was refurbished inside and out by new owners Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson in late 2022 (Image: Sonya Duncan)

It will, however, reopen from 3pm today (December 30) having been taken on by new owners Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson.

The couple, both 25, grew up in Norfolk and have spent years working in hospitality. They paid in excess of £300,000 for the site and started renovations in September this year.

Norwich Evening News: The Steam Packet pictured in 2010The Steam Packet pictured in 2010 (Image: Bill Smith)

The purchase came after Miss Grove's dad spotted the 'for sale' sign and viewed the pub on their behalf while they were living in London. 

And such was their love for the Grade II-listed building that Mr Emerson, a chef who grew up in King's Lynn, proposed to Miss Grove in the pub while they were carrying out the refurbishment.

Norwich Evening News: Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson who own the Steam Packet in NorwichEllen Grove and Jacob Emerson who own the Steam Packet in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Miss Grove, who grew up in Holt and has expertise in front-of-house, said: "We wanted to come back to Norfolk and open our own place.

"We want it to be a proper pub - not a bar - with an intimate restaurant above it. We want it to be somewhere for people to go and relax.

Norwich Evening News: Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson outside the Steam Packet in Norwich in December 2022 after buying it and refurbishing itEllen Grove and Jacob Emerson outside the Steam Packet in Norwich in December 2022 after buying it and refurbishing it (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"I wanted it to feel like you are walking into someone's home and make it cosy."

Work is yet to start on the first-floor restaurant, but Mr Emerson and Miss Grove hope to finish it next year. 

They plan to serve typical, homemade dishes for up to 20 people at a time. 

Norwich Evening News: The bar in the newly-refurbished Steam Packet pub in Norwich which was bought by Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson in September 2022The bar in the newly-refurbished Steam Packet pub in Norwich which was bought by Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson in September 2022 (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Combined with the revamp of the flat on the second floor, in which the couple live, they expect to invest less than £100,000 in the project.

Despite the high prices facing businesses across the hospitality sector, Mr Emerson said: "You have got to take a risk. Hopefully the cost of living crisis will disappear.

"The pub is in a fantastic location and the right opportunity came along. Norwich is beautiful."

Norwich Evening News: Inside the Steam Packet pub in Norwich after it was refurbished by couple Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson who bought the business and building in September 2022Inside the Steam Packet pub in Norwich after it was refurbished by couple Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson who bought the business and building in September 2022 (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The couple - who did as much work as they could themselves, with some help from relatives - recycled materials and bought antique items from the city's independent stores.

The Steam Packet building was built in the 1820s as a home and turned into a pub in 1836.

It was previously known as the Market Tavern.