It was a low key re-start but it was an important day not only for the village but for the licensed trade in general.
We seem to be accustomed to pubs closing and not re-opening. It has almost become the norm. So its good news when one goes in the other direction, particularly when so many local people feared that it would never open again.
I have to say that I was one of those as I watched the building deteriorate and the weeds grow ever higher. A group called Norfolk Table came forward but then dropped out and the future began to look bleak.
We were all delighted when the news came through that the licensee of the Green Dragon at Wymondham Justin Harvey was taking over with one of his managers becoming landlord.
There are so many parallels between the King's and the Green Dragon. Both ooze history, both are very attractive to look at and both are at the heart of the community (although the King's hasn't been that for a long time).
So at 12.45 pm precisely I lifted a pint glass to my lips and took a sip. I could say that I finished it off in two minutes flat but I savoured it for some considerable while, just drinking in the ambience of the garden (please excuse the pun).
Many communities have lost their pubs. Hethersett, with a population that will grow to over 10,000 can easily sustain at least two. It was good to have a chat with staff and take some photos - some of which are included here. Apologies that I found myself in some of them. I'm sure that in the future I will be writing lots about the bio-diversity of the pub and its engaging stance on ecology.
Whilst writing about Hethersett pubs, however, I mustn't leave out the Queen's Head and the magnificent steps they have made to open their garden area whilst keeping people warm and safe.
I will be going there for lunch today and, hopefully, to take some more photos which I will post in a coming blog.
I had an early morning walk around the village to see how things were on what I refer to as R Day (Re-open day). Had a word with Gareth from the library but they are still only doing click and collect for the rest of the week. Cafe Kin and Janey's Village Cafe were both closed as they always are on Mondays. There was a queue for Kett's Kabin Charity Shop but not a lot else going on.