One of Norwich's historic city centre pubs is to reopen this week after it was taken on by a couple living nearby in a "spur of the moment" decision.

The Walnut Tree Shades in Old Post Office Court had closed for a short period of time after its previous publicans of 20 years, Claire and Dale Brooks, took on the Brickmakers in Sprowston Road.

But now the Victorian-era pub will reopen on Saturday, June 17 after undergoing refurbishment work under new tenants Rachel and Mark Scarlett, who live just across the road.

Norwich Evening News: The Walnut Tree Shades in Norwich's Old Post Office CourtThe Walnut Tree Shades in Norwich's Old Post Office Court (Image: Denise Bradley)

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Rachel says the pair are planning to make small changes to the pub in order to improve it while still keeping things familiar.

She said: "It was a real spur of the moment decision - we saw our local pub was up for grabs, so we went for it.

"We've never done anything like this before, but we thought: let's give it a go.

Norwich Evening News: The new sign at the Walnut Tree ShadesThe new sign at the Walnut Tree Shades (Image: Newsquest)

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"We're planning to stick to just drinks and snacks such as crisps, jerky and nuts while having karaoke upstairs."

Norwich Evening News: A retro jukebox has been installed in the Walnut Tree ShadesA retro jukebox has been installed in the Walnut Tree Shades (Image: Newsquest)

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The site has been home to a pub since at least 1841 and the new managers are hoping to make the most of that heritage.

Rachel continued: "We've exposed the beautiful Victorian back bar which was previously being obscured by optics and we're just making everything that little bit fancier.

"But we are still new to it. I took a bit of wallpaper down the other day and the wall came with it so we've got a bit to learn and the pub needs some love."

Norwich Evening News: New Walnut Tree Shades boss Rachel Scarlett New Walnut Tree Shades boss Rachel Scarlett (Image: Newsquest)

The pair say they will not be continuing the live music for which the pub has become known in the short term but will be introducing a vintage jukebox to provide the boozer's soundtrack.

Mrs Scarlett added: "As things progress we'll look at doing some live music upstairs, but we won't be bringing it back downstairs."