A picturesque watering hole which closed suddenly will soon be welcoming customers through its doors once again.

East Anglian Daily Times: Polly Durrant, Will Hardiman and Max Durrant, of the Ufford Crown, have taken on the lease of the Ramsholt ArmsPolly Durrant, Will Hardiman and Max Durrant, of the Ufford Crown, have taken on the lease of the Ramsholt Arms (Image: Archant)

The Ramsholt Arms, near Woodbridge, has now been taken over by the team behind the Ufford Crown.

The pub, on the banks of the River Deben, is a popular venue for those whose boats are moored nearby, while in the summer it also attracts visitors from further afield eager to take advantage of its impressive location.

It has been closed for a number of weeks and some regulars had feared for its future. But the team at the Ufford Crown – husband and wife owners Polly and Max Durrant and head chef Will Hardiman – have now taken on the lease.

The trio are busy refurbishing the pub in the hope of having it open in time for the first half of next month.

Mrs Durrant said: “It’s a very exciting venture and we can’t wait to get started.

“We have been at the Ufford Crown for two years and that has gone exceptionally well. I think we would have probably started looking around anyway so this was too good an opportunity to miss.

“It’s such a great location that attracts locals, holidaymakers and lots of families. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Mr Hardiman, who is Mrs Durrant’s brother, will remain at the Crown, which was included in the 2013 Michelin guide for hotels and restaurants, taking on an executive chef role at the Ramsholt Arms. They are keen to ensure their high standards continue, with locally-sourced ingredients supporting independent producers.

Mrs Durrant said: “We have a fantastic new chef called Andy Knight. We’re delighted to have him on board. As well as all the usual pub classics there’s likely – given the pub’s location – to be more of a focus on seafood.

“On top of that we’re also hoping to be able to create a few new jobs. We’re happy to hear from anyone who would be interested in finding out more.”