The new owner of a pub in Suffolk which has been shut for two years say they want to turn into a family pub.

Shaun Lemare has worked in the hospitality trade for the last 20 years, but is taking the plunge at owning a pub for the first time. 

The restaurateur has taken on the reins of The Fox in Barking, near Needham Market, which has been closed since 2021.

"It is very exciting times. I have been looking at the place for the last month-and-a-half to see what it was like," said Mr Lemare, who will be running the pub alongside Natasha Lanza. 

"I have been in the trade for 20 years and I thought now is the best time to jump on the ladder. 

"This is probably the best location. It is probably going to be a destination pub by the looks of it." 

Mr Lemare, who hails from nearby Bildeston, wants to return the pub its former roots. He plans to run a weekly Sunday carvery, as well as several events by taking advantage of the large car park outside. 

The pub will receive a new lick of paint ahead of its opening on June 2, while Shaun and his famiy will also be moving in. 

Mr Lemare added: "Our main plan is to turn it into a family pub for kids. 

"We have only had the Facebook page up for a couple of days and we have 274 followers, so there is plenty of interest."

The restaurant can seat up to 150 covers.

It is the latest pub to reopen its doors in Suffolk after a difficult start to the year. 

New owners have been found for The Bunbury Arms in Great Barton near Bury St Edmunds, while The Swan in Monks Eleigh reopened in March.