An historic mid Suffolk pub that has been closed for a quarter of a century has been restored to its former glory is set to reopen to customers again.
The Red Lion, on Debenham High Street, is reopening this weekend following extensive renovations.
The pub, which closed in 1998 but has been a public house since at least 1746, is set to open for village drinks on Friday and then full service from Saturday.
The building has been used as a residential house for 22 years, but was purchased in early 2022 by Leonora Faggionato, who lives near the village, in the hope of reopening it as a venue.
Ms Faggionato said: "The village needs a vibrant, busy family pub. There's often a sense around here that to have a family meal in a pub you have to drive.
"The idea is to be able to walk into a warm, welcoming place filled with people having a jolly time.
"We are also planning some fun events for Christmas and the New Year. We are really excited to be here."
Records show that a total of 21 pubs have existed in Debenham, a village with a population of around 2,300, but at present there is only one open pub in the village - the Woolpack, also on the High Street.
As well as the Red Lion, the Cherry Tree and the Angel pubs in Debenham have also closed in recent years.
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