Sculthorpe Mill near Fakenham closes after a difficult year

Riverside pub and restaurant Sculthorpe Mill, just outside Fakenham, has been forced to close due to financial pressures.

Landlord Ian Parkin, who leases the historic premises from Bury St Edmunds-based Greene King, said he was very sad to make the difficult decision to leave.

He said this week on the pub's Facebook page: "I’m very sad to announce that I’ve had to make the hard decision to leave beautiful Sculthorpe Mill.

"This is as a result of a tough last winter, lockdown followed by Covid market uncertainty, the necessary reduced indoor capacity and financial pressures going forward on what will be a very long next winter, particularly with Thursford cancelled as well.

"Greene King have unfortunately advised me that the mill will close with immediate effect which is a real shame. I am afraid that I am not aware of their plans.

"I would like to thank all guests and local regulars for their visits and support over my time here and loyal staff for all their help, hard work and fun as part of the team. The food, experience and service reviews speak for themselves!"

The pub, which also offered bed and breakfast accommodation, reopened in July after lockdown.

Greene King is now advertising it for £50,000 a year for rent over a five-year term. It describes it as "a charming former working water mill, period property surrounded by flowing streams with large landscaped gardens and open fields."

It also said that interest is expected to be high as these types of business are rarely available. It said: "The pub has a large well-maintained garden and car park with picturesque views over the flowing streams that wrap around the site.

The mill has a main restaurant and bar area and six letting rooms on the second floor.

In July 2002, Sculthorpe Mill was seriously damaged by a major fire and required extensive refurbishment before it could reopen.