The manager of a Norwich pub is leaving after 30 years and it has included renovations, lockdowns and friendships along the way. 

Steve Fiske, 54, has held the role at The Whalebone in Magdalen Road since 1994, aged 24, after completing a course with the British Institute of Innkeeping.

Mike Lorenz, 80, purchased the pub in 1993 and Mr Fiske's departure will mark the end of a double act spanning three decades. 

The Whalebone pub in Magdalen Road, Norwich Picture: Sonya DuncanThe Whalebone pub in Magdalen Road, Norwich Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

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Mr Fiske said: "We have become a real community pub and still have customers who were in on my first day.

"They have become friends and there have been a lot of great times."

Steve Fiske has been the manager of The Whalebone since 1994 Picture: Sonya DuncanSteve Fiske has been the manager of The Whalebone since 1994 Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

The biggest change he has seen is to the demographic of pub-goers, with more groups of women and couples. 

Asked for a standout moment, he said: "When we were allowed to open outside when lockdown restrictions lifted.

"We had phenomenal trade and people queued up to get a table."

He is leaving on Sunday, June 23 and wants to take on a new challenge in a Norfolk pub that "needs progressing".

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He added: "I will miss our lovely clientele but will see them soon."

A party is being held on Saturday, June 22 from 4pm to 8pm with a DJ in the garden and all are welcome. 

Steve Fiske leaves The Whalebone this weekend, with a party in the garden to celebrate his 30-year run Picture: Sonya DuncanSteve Fiske leaves The Whalebone this weekend, with a party in the garden to celebrate his 30-year run Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Lorenz is also stepping back from the business to retire and, while he continues to own the building, new licensees will take over from Monday, June 24. 

Mr Lorenz has run pubs for 48 years, starting with the now-closed King Edward VII in Aylsham Road in Norwich in 1976.

Mr Lorenz said: "Steve is very passionate and has been a part of the development of The Whalebone from a small corner pub to a thriving community pub. 

"I want to say a massive thank you to Steve and I wish him the very best in what he does next."