New owner excited to reopen Sole and Heel pub in Rackheath

The Sole and Heel in Rackheath closed in August 2022 after its landlady died and has remained empty ever since.

But earlier this month the venue was sold to Marcus Pearcey, who owns several other venues around the city, to breathe new life into the rundown boozer.

The Sole and Heel pub in Rackheath has been closed since August 2022 (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Pearcey, who also owns businesses including Black Barn Farm in nearby Salhouse and the Butcher Bhoy bar in the city centre, said: "The aim is to bring the pub back to life.

"Rackheath is growing at a rapid pace - you only need to stand outside the pub and see all the houses being built here - so it's a perfect place to have in the heart of the community.

"We want our prices to be competitive and good value for our regulars.

Marcus Pearcey also owns venues such as Butcher Bhoy, Black Barn Farm and the Cantley Cock (Image: Newsquest)

"We know we have to get it right because if you don't, it doesn't matter how many people live in the area, the pub will be empty.

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"But I think we have a good track record of getting things right and bringing everyone together - it's a great opportunity."

Rackheath is a burgeoning community with new houses being built in the area (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Pearcey is investing roughly £200,000 into the pub and is looking to open in six weeks, creating 10 to 12 new jobs for the area.

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"There's no firm date yet but the football Euros are on our mind so we'd like to get open for some of the games," he added.

Mr Pearcey says that around £200,000 will be invested in refurbishing the pub (Image: Newsquest)

"We're doing a big revamp of the garden area - building a really nice covered decking area for people to sit in - and a small revamp of the pub.

"We're thinking of having gyros chicken kebabs for people and converting a beautiful shed outside into a food hut as well.

"Pubs are struggling so I think it's good to invest back into them and show they can work by creating a warm and welcoming place for people to come and have a pint."