Mariner makeover

The Ancient Mariner Inn opens after revamp, customers say it's 'warm and inviting'

It's been closed since the New Year, but today The Ancient Mariner Inn opens its door once more.

Sue and Jenny, who're in Old Hunstanton on holiday, are enjoying a coffee, "The layout hasn't really changed from the last time I don't think,"  Sue says, "But it's very tasteful and very homely - simple things like having the fires lit makes it look cosy."  

Jenny adds, "It's very welcoming.  And the staff are very friendly, we were greeted straight away."

As work took place, credit The Ancient Mariner Inn

Ollie Trezise, who's head of operations, is busy alongside his team, but he stops to have a quick chat, "We're feeling good, really excited, really proud of what we've got here.  

"A little nervy, because you want to get it right - but good nerves."

He continues, "It's a bit of a new identity, the heart of the pub is very much still there, and this amazing legacy of what the building is and was and has been. 

"So we've just tried to give it a little something extra, a little something new - but the soul is very much there as it was."

General manager Wayne Palmer, duty manager Emily Bland and Ollie Trezise 

Amy and Paul are having lunch with their 3 children, the pair got married at nearby Le Strange.

"We live the other end of Hunstanton, we come in here quite a lot," says Paul, "First impressions are very good, I think they've done a really nice job of renovating it, we like coming here it's kid friendly." 

Amy adds, "Food is really good, can't fault it at all - and the kids seem to really like it."

"We want it to be somewhere that's really comfortable, a really warm and inviting environment just to come for either a drink a meal or meet some friends," Ollie goes on to say.

"Sit out on that terrace, with the sun shining down on you and looking out over the sea and watching the world go by - I don't think life gets much better!"

As I leave Rebecca, who's sitting having a drink, tells me, "I've been here a few times over the years, I just think it's fabulous that they've brought out all the best part of this old building, it's got a fantastic atmosphere. There was instant appeal when I walked in."

And I have to agree.  Good luck to the team!