Opening of The Two Lifeboats pub at Sheringham. Pub manager Bridget Cheesman and Sheringham RNLI Senior Helmsman Tony Webster, who cut the ribbon. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

Members of Sheringham’s community gathered together to celebrate the reopening of an 18th century building yesterday (Friday).

Opening of The Two Lifeboats pub at Sheringham. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

The Two Lifeboats Hotel on High Street has been given a new lease of life following a refurbishment costing more than £200,000.

And it was officially opened by the senior helmsman of the Sheringham lifeboat Tony Webster.

Sheringham residents and other members of the crew joined in with the celebrations as well as the people behind the refurbishment.

Originally a coffee shop in 1720 and a former site of the fishermen’s mission hut, the lease of the pub has been taken over by Stella Inns following the revamp by pub owners Punch Taverns.

Opening of The Two Lifeboats pub at Sheringham. Sheringham RNLI Senior Helmsman Tony Webster cuts the ribbon, surrounded by RNLI members and staff members. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

Stella Inns managing director Tim Joudrey said he was “delighted” to have taken on the pub and was excited about the future.

“The transformation is amazing,” he said.

“Since we opened just a couple of weeks ago we have seen a massive uplift in trade.”

The makeover has created ten jobs in the town and future plans include renovating the six letting rooms at the pub in a boutique hotel style.

And the team, headed by Bridget Sterry, have also designed a new menu which includes seafood and fresh fish and are planning a series of gourmet nights.

Punch Taverns business relationship manager Martin Obey said the renovation had created a fantastic pub in the perfect location.

“It’s gone beyond our expectations,” he said.

“The open day helped to publicly celebrate the investment into Sheringham and this iconic building. It’s always nice to put something back and bring back the charm and character of a historic building.”

The open day also raised funds for the RNLI with a charity raffle and a jazz band performed in the afternoon.