Costessey pub The Cherry Tree under new management

Gemma Whiddett has taken on The Cherry Tree and hopes to give the pub a fresh start with a focus on a family-friendly environment. 

Born and raised in Norwich, the 41-year-old has lived in Costessey for the last 14 years.

Gemma Whiddett hopes to give the pub a "fresh start" (Image: The Cherry Tree) Other than a two-and-a-half-year stint as the manager of The Rage Rooms, Ms Whiddett has a long history of working in pubs and was previously the manager at the Castle Carvery Clocktower in Bowthorpe. 

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After losing her dad, who had always wanted her to run a pub, she decided to put herself forward as soon as she saw the advertisement for new management.

The Cherry Tree is located in Dereham Road in Costessey (Image: Sonya Duncan) The current focus is on giving the pub a much-needed refresh and efforts are under way to transform the outdoor area into a garden that children can play in over the summer. 

Ms Whiddett said: "Over the last few years people have come and gone at the pub but hopefully I’m here for the long haul.

The pub will be showing Euro 2024 matches throughout the summer (Image: Sonya Duncan) "It’s going to be a challenge but I want to get it right, the pub deserves it.

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"It just needs someone to put the time and effort in and you’re only as good as your staff.

The pub will have food and entertainment events on offer (Image: Sonya Duncan) "I’ve got a really good team, including my two sons - it’s being run by family."

Ms Whiddett has plans to introduce regular entertainment events such as poker nights, quizzes, karaoke nights and live music.

The pub will also be showing all of the Euro 2024 with drinks offers available at the bar. 

With a new chef hired, the kitchen is currently being renovated and will offer a traditional Marston's Inn menu.