Regulars at a popular Norfolk pub can now enjoy a cuppa in a new café and relax in a games room.

North Norfolk News: Tunstead Horse and Groom gets new cafe and games room. Pat Simpson (Gillys partner) and Gilly Foulds outside the Horse & Groom with a pot of tea, watched by Clive and Sue Stockton and Terry Stork.Pictures: supplied by Lisa HarlowTunstead Horse and Groom gets new cafe and games room. Pat Simpson (Gillys partner) and Gilly Foulds outside the Horse & Groom with a pot of tea, watched by Clive and Sue Stockton and Terry Stork.Pictures: supplied by Lisa Harlow (Image: Archant)

The new attractions at the Horse and Groom in Tunstead, near North Walsham, were officially opened on Monday, June 3.

The games room is in the adjacent barn and offers traditional pub games alongside a café area linking the barn to the pub.

The project was devised by owner Gilly Foulds, a local resident who came out of retirement two years ago to buy the village pub and save it from closure.

Having refurbished the 18th century pub, reverting back to its original name in the process, she approached Terry Stork, Pub is The Hub's regional adviser, to discuss its ongoing sustainability.

North Norfolk News: Tunstead Horse and Groom gets new cafe and games room. Exterior of the Horse and Groom.Pictures: supplied by Lisa HarlowTunstead Horse and Groom gets new cafe and games room. Exterior of the Horse and Groom.Pictures: supplied by Lisa Harlow (Image: Archant)

And she was granted £3,000 from Pub is The Hub's community services fund towards the cost of refurbishment.

She said: "The pub has seen mixed fortunes over recent years in the hands of developers and different operators but I wanted to keep it open as an essential social hub for the village.

"The idea is that these new areas will become a meeting place for younger people in the village and to help combat isolation and loneliness among our older residents too. Ultimately it will support the viability of the pub in the long-term.

"I am very grateful to Pub is The Hub for its support. It has been instrumental in making this idea a possibility."

Jonathan Caswell manages the pub, which also provides employment to nine members of staff, and uses locally-sourced produce. Ms Foulds also grows her own fruit and vegetables for the pub's kitchen.

Mr Stork added: "Since Gilly purchased the Horse and Groom, she has turned it into an outstanding destination pub. The addition of these two community facilities improves local services, making the Horse and Groom the hub of the village."

Before Ms Foulds took over the Market Street pub in 2017, it had been shut for about nine months, and, prior to that, was run as more of a bar and restaurant than a watering hole.

Have you got a pub story? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk