Norwich pub announces closure after business becomes ‘unworkable’

The Reindeer, Dereham Road, Norwich. Photo: Steve Adams

A pub and restaurant in Norwich has announced it is to close, after business became “unworkable”.

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The Reindeer Pub and Kitchen, on Dereham Road, posted on its Facebook page on Friday morning to tell customers that, “with an incredibly heavy heart”, it had decided to cease trading.

Kate and Dan Searle, who run the pub, said they would remain open until January, 28, but that business had become “unworkable”.

And they urged people to support their local restaurants - just days after a similar plea from Francis Woolf, the owner of restaurant Woolf and Bird, which announced its closure last week.

The post said: “We have had an incredible five years here and are very proud of what we and our awesome team have achieved.

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“Our vision for the Reindeer was audacious as we set out to bring Norwich a genuine gastro pub experience that focused on seasonal British produce from all over the UK - complemented by the same ethos on good beer from far and wide.

“We have worked with some incredible people along the way, enjoying brilliant customers and delivered the best experience we possibly could.

“From Michelin pub guide recognition to bursting at the seams with Oysters, German beer festivals and of course feasting tables galore. It really has been a pleasure.”

They said it was a “difficult time” for the team, “with a great deal of uncertainty”.

Searle and Partners will still run the Rumsey Wells, which they said was going from “strength to strength”.

Elgood and Sons, based in Wisbech, will remain in charge of the freehold at the Reindeer, with work to try and find a new tenant to begin soon.

“A genuinely huge thank you to everyone that supported us, helped us along the way and enjoyed what we created at the Reindeer - you have all been awesome,” the Facebook post continued.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to echo similar sentiments to other closures in this difficult trading period for independent businesses - lets get people supporting their independents across the city!

“We have an abundance of good people doing good things on our doorstep and they are full of the most exciting, creative and talented individuals that Norwich has to offer - enjoy!”