A new era is set to begin at a Suffolk pub, bought earlier this month by a Beccles-based firm.

The Queens Head in Bramfield closed earlier this month and its new owners - Beccles-based property development firm Barsham Securities Limited - has already started work on its refurbishment.

The pub, in The Street, was originally one of three in the village, and dates back to the 16th century. It is now Bramfield’s only public house, and just over a year ago ranked in the top five of more than 300 pubs for serving up the best roast dinners.

Chairwoman of Bramfield Parish Council, Anne Thomas, said: “It’s very much a local in the village, a lot of people will drop in for half a pint on their way home from work. To lose a pub would be a great loss. So many villages are losing their pubs, it would be so good if Bramfield could hang on to its last one.”

Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey said: “I’m delighted that the Queen’s Head is to be refurbished and will remain as a pub. Having visited every pub in my constituency I know the importance of the local pub in strengthening community ties and bringing people together. I look forward to visiting soon.”

A spokesman for Barsham Securities said: “We will be initially undertaking some refurbishment to the building and kitchen modernisation to enable an ingoing tenant the best possible chance of success.”

A spokesman for Ipswich and East Suffolk CAMRA, Nigel Smith, said: “I am very pleased to hear there is still a future for The Queens Head as a public house.

“It is a lovely historic pub in the middle of a pretty village and is located in an area where many other pubs have already been lost.

“The pub is at least in part 16th century, with an impressive fireplace and a high ceiling in the lounge area.

“I look forward to visiting it again quite soon.”