New restaurant The Aviator takes off in Sculthorpe

A new restaurant and bar which has opened in Sculthorpe has been named The Aviator as a nod to its proximity to the former RAF base.

Formerly known as The Hourglass, it has been taken over by Christopher Brown and Cara Green, who run the Sands restaurant on The Quay at Wells.

They took over the premises in January, and after a busy two months carrying out refurbishment inside and out for a brand new look, they opened the doors for business yesterday evening.

Cara told the Lynn News: "Our Sands restaurant offers predominantly seafood dishes. When this came up for sale we thought we would like to branch out more inland and concentrate on local meat with a gastro pub style menu.

"The menu will include dishes such as burgers, steak and ale pie, fish pie, ham hock and rolled lamb shoulder.

"We also have our own Aviator real ale, available on the pump, brewed for us by Lacons Brewery in Cambridge.

"The air base is still used for training purposes, so this could be their local and also a place where we can bring the community together."

The Aviator will have a carvery on Sundays and on Thursdays, there will be pensioners' lunch with two or three-course meals for a set price.

This will also coincide with nearby Fakenham's market day.

In addition to the interior revamp, the outdoor area has been given a new look with comfortable seating installed.

Harley Golec has been taken on as the new head chef and two people who used to work for The Hourglass will continue to work there. In future more front of house staff will be recruited.

The Aviator will be open every day for lunch and dinner, with bar snacks and nibbles available in the afternoons.