A pub in the city outskirts has reopened after a two-year closure.

The Sole and Heel in Rackheath flung open its doors for the first time in several years on Saturday, at an opening event that saw more than 1,000 people flock to the site.

The pub is now owned by Norfolk businessman Marcus Pearcey, who has overseen a £200,000 renovation of the Sole and Heel, including the installation of a massive wrap-around terrace.

The Sole and Heel underwent a £200,000 renovationThe Sole and Heel underwent a £200,000 renovation (Image: Cllr Fran Whymark)

He said: "We had an amazing opening weekend.

"More than 1,000 people came through the door on Saturday alone.

"It was so good to see a pub have such a big impact on a community.

"That is what a good pub should do."

Marcus Pearcey is the new owner of The Sole and HeelMarcus Pearcey is the new owner of The Sole and Heel (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Salhouse Road pub closed in August 2022 after the former landlady died, and took a long time to sell.

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Councillor Fran Whymark has been keeping an eye on the pub, which he believes was the centre of the growing Rackheath community.

Fran Whymark is Conservative councillor for the Brundall ward, including RackheathFran Whymark is a Conservative councillor for the Wroxham ward, including Rackheath (Image: Denise Bradley)

He attended the opening day on Saturday and was overwhelmed by how many people showed up.

"There were so many people excited to get their old local back," he said.

"It was always a huge part of the community and it was under very sad circumstances that it had to close.

The pub has gone through an extensive revampThe pub has gone through an extensive revamp (Image: Cllr Fran Whymark)

"It is so important that we have it back open.

"I was surprised by how many people from outside the village came, and how many that have moved away who came back for the opening."

The Green Man, another pub in Rackheath that has been closed for a while, is also under the ownership of Marcus Pearcey.

The pub was packed all of Saturday afternoonThe pub was packed all of Saturday afternoon (Image: Cllr Fran Whymark)

He has announced that it will remain closed until spring 2025 while it undergoes a huge renovation.

"Both of the pubs in Rackheath have been closed for a long time and having them back will help bring the community together," said Cllr Whymark.

"There is no other focal point in the village and it is so important and needed for our local people."