The King's Head in Hethersett became the latest pub in the Norwich area to announce its closure yesterday.

Jill Tickle, the owner of pub management firm Tickle's Taverns, told this paper: "The team I've had here and the clientele in Hethersett, the welcome and support that this pub has had from the community, has been astounding.

The King's Head, Hethersett - Picture: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2014)

"I fought so hard for the customers, but the hospitality industry at the moment is just crippled and you can't make ends meet."

Ms Tickle, who also recently announced the closure of the Green Dragon in Wymondham, cited soaring energy prices and wage costs as among the reasons behind the closure.

"If you don't have a good team on, you can't keep your service standards high," she continued.

Jill Tickle, landlady at the Kings Head, Hethersett - Picture: Jill Tickle (Image: Jill Tickle)

"I pride myself in that I've left this pub in so much of a better position than when I took it on.

"I want to thank Stonegate for their investment in the improvements and for working with me, but there isn't enough margin to make this work.

"The customers and staff are why I fought for so long.

"But this is a lovely pub and I really wish whoever takes it on the very, very best."

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Tickle's Taverns took on the Norwich Road pub's lease from pub giant Stonegate in June last year.

Ms Tickle added: "Even though times are tough, I hope someone takes over the reins and keeps the legacy going.

"I'm so proud of them, it's a team like no other I've had in my years in hospitality.

"I have never been in an environment like this. It's been an uplifting place to work.

"It's a very hard goodbye.

"My dad taught me that when you have a pub, it's not yours - it's the locals' pub.

"I've never known such support."