The new owners of a Dereham pub say business has been "awesome" after they reopened its doors.

The Cock closed in July when the previous owners, Steve Garner and Jane Howard, retired from heading up the award-winning pub.

Marvin Shalders and Phillip Eglen have been enjoying their first week as the new managers of the pub.Marvin Shalders and Phillip Eglen have been enjoying their first week as the new managers of the pub. (Image: The Cock) Then, on October 14, the pub was reopened by Marvin Shalders and Phillip Eglen, who had also been regular patrons of the premises.

They pledged to maintain the award-winning "warm and friendly ambience" and "excellent range of real ales" that the pub had become known for.

Locals at the unveiling of the sign at The Cock pub in Dereham (Image: Colin Collis) In a statement they said: "Our first week has been awesome. 

"It was so great to see so many of the locals return after the short closure at the end of the summer. 

"Now we're open it's been a case of getting to grips with everything and we've been fortunate because three of the staff who worked here previously have returned and they know their way around. 

"We've also been busy setting up a schedule of live music and other events to take us up to the end of 2024."