Beloved pub The Swan in Monks Eleigh has reopened its doors

The Swan in Monks Eleigh announced its sudden closure earlier this year, just eight months after it was taken over.

But at the end of January, owners Stephen and Julie Penney revealed they would be curtailing their travel plans to take up the reins once more.

The pair had originally purchased the pub in 2018.

A selection of premium lager, real ale and Greene King classics will be available behind the bar. Pictured is Stephen and Julie Penney. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

And at the end of last week, Monks Eleigh's wait was finally over as The Swan opened its doors to customers again.

Speaking after the reopening, Julie Penney said: "It was very encouraging.

"I was very nervous to begin with because I thought 'gosh, the pub's been closed and it has had a bit of a bumpy road and people go elsewhere'.

"But it was lovely and a lot of people turned out that we hadn't seen for a long time and hadn't been in the pub since we left, so it was nice to see them back."

Julie's dog is a favourite at The Swan in Monks Eleigh (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

As the pub finds its feet, mobile food vendors will be visiting while the kitchen remains shut for the time being.

Mrs Penney said: "We're doing what a lot of pubs are doing round here which is the food trucks.

"Our first one, Real Thai Food in Hadleigh, is coming to us on Easter weekend on the Saturday.

"A few people have actually booked tables to make sure they get a seat that night."

Inside The Swan in Monks Eleigh. Renovation work has been underway in the build up to the opening. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Customers are also being encouraged to grab a pasty from the on-site community shop to accompany their pints.

And there's good news for real ale fans as the owners are looking to introduce a strong line-up of locally brewed beverages down the line.

The pub is open from 4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from midday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.