The owners of a popular east Suffolk pub have announced a temporary closure while a refurb and ground works for an extension are carried out. 

The Poachers Pocket, in Saxmundham, will be closed until Friday, March 10 so that works for a much needed extension and a small re-fit can take place. 

Harry Taylor, one of the owners of the family-run pub, said: "We took over the pub about 18 months ago and we have found that it is very seasonal.

"During the summer it has got plenty of outside tables and it means we tend to require a big team of staff but then after the summer we only have a 10-table restaurant. 

"It has always been planned that we would replace our marquee and extend the pub with a nice feature fireplace and room for another five or six tables.

"It means trading all year round and it means the staff we acquire in the summer can carry on working for us all year round."

Mr Taylor and his team transformed the pub near the Suffolk coast when they took it over in 2021. 

The pub closed on Monday and work on the refurb has already begun. 

Mr Taylor said plans for an extension have been in place since they took over the pub. 

"We are buzzing for it," he added.

"We have been waiting to do this since we moved in. 

"Having 10 tables is great but on a Friday and Saturday night it is always full, and we have to turn some people away, especially on a Sunday. 

"We are really excited, and we are happy that we can build a team and create jobs for people in the area and it gives something back to the village with some investment in the pub."