“It’s been a torrid time”, says Suffolk restaurateur Brendan Padfield, reflecting on a year of highs and lows.

The Unruly Pig opened to much anticipation near Woodbridge in April – but was hit by fire and forced to close less than three months later.

Since then, the Bromeswell restaurant has celebrated a mention in the Good Food Guide – but spirits were again dampened last Friday, little more than a week before reopening, when thieves broke into a storage container.

“Life is full of challenges but this is one of the more challenging years I can remember,” said Mr Padfield, who is looking forward to resuming business this Saturday.

“I was able to retain 90% of the staff and it’s great to see them gelling again.

“We’re trying to focus on the positives. Support from the community has been overwhelming.

“The Good Food Guide inclusion was testament to our head chef Dave Wall’s genius.”

The Unruly Pig reopens tomorrow, with an official relaunch reception next Sunday.

Among the first guests will be two passing motorists who first reported June’s fire. They were tracked down and offered dinner on the house by a grateful Mr Padfield.