It was already known as one of Norfolk's most remote pubs.

But after two storms in as many weeks, the Geldeston Locks has taken inaccessible to a whole new level.

The pub, which sits amid low-lying marshes, is now surrounded by floodwater stretching eight miles along the Waveney Valley.

For those intrepid enough to venture there, a canoe trip of around a mile is required.

Frank and Jodie Barrett live on-site with their seven-year-old son.

They said they were prepared for the recent rains but that floodwater had still come within an inch of getting inside.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Pub managers Frank and his wife Jodie outside of the LocksPub managers Frank and his wife Jodie outside of the Locks (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mrs Barrett, 37, said: "The amount of water we received was literally millimeters from flooding inside."

The 500-year-old pub has seen many floods in its time and the couple knew what measures to take before the rain arrived.

“Packing the pub away is sad, salvaging the stock, and hunkering down, but this is the reality and challenge we must face," Mrs Barrett said.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The flooded meadow across to Barsham and ShipmeadowThe flooded meadow across to Barsham and Shipmeadow (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Pint of ale? Better set sail!Pint of ale? Better set sail! (Image: Charlotte Bond)

As a result, the pub is currently closed to the public. But the couple hope to open next week.

The pub was bought by the community in 2020 and the investments of 1,600 stakeholders have allowed the couple to make improvements to cope with its isolated and vulnerable location.

Measures have included raising electric sockets above the expected flood level, installing a walk-in fridge with high-level compressors and replacing cement render with breathable lime render.

The pub also now has solar panels and a generator.

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: The flooded beer garden at the Geldeston LocksThe flooded beer garden at the Geldeston Locks (Image: Charlotte Bond)

As well as keeping their business dry, the pair have the challenge of getting their son to school, which they have been doing by boat.

Mr Barrett, 35, said: "While business stops during this chaos, my son still needs to get to school.

"Jodie and I took this challenge on because we thought it would be a wonderful place to raise our son.

"It is a privilege to live and work here and our son loves how social it is in the summer and the excitement of getting on a boat, and being among wildlife, the river, it's just amazing.

"We are not over it yet and are aware of the challenges of the further winter months ahead."

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: Graham Elliott wading along the flooded Locks LaneGraham Elliott wading along the flooded Locks Lane (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Graham Elliott, from the Geldeston Locks Inn committee, lives downstream from the pub.

He and his wife Nicky are on hand to take supplies to the Barretts by canoe.

Mr Elliott said: "We will not be able to stop the occasional flood coming our way but we have taken measures that reduce the impact of any flood and ensure we recover as quickly as possible afterwards.

"We expect to bounce back soon and have a busy programme of winter events lined up."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Much of the entire Waveney Valley is submerged by flood waterMuch of the entire Waveney Valley is submerged by flood water (Image: Charlotte Bond)Beccles & Bungay Journal: An aerial shot of Geldeston Locks flooded in 2010 An aerial shot of Geldeston Locks flooded in 2010 (Image: Mike Page)READ MORE: Storm Ciarán flood fears causes Geldeston Locks pub to close

HISTORY OF THE LOCKS

The pub dates back 500 years – as the name suggests, it was originally a lockkeeper’s cottage.

The lock itself was built in 1670 to improve navigation on what was a popular route to travel goods between Yarmouth and Bungay.

Until then, the river was clogged up and boats could not get beyond Beccles. The high cost of land transport brought hardship and poverty, especially in Bungay which is upstream.

The community-owned Locks Inn is known for hosting an array of traditional and sometimes frankly bizarre events – such as the dwile flonking championships where two teams of players take a turn to dance around each other while attempting to avoid being hit by a beer-soaked cloth.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Pint of ale? Better set sailPint of ale? Better set sail (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Graham and his wife Nicky outside of the flooded LocksGraham and his wife Nicky outside of the flooded Locks (Image: Charlotte Bond)Beccles & Bungay Journal: The flooded marshes to the rear of the pubThe flooded marshes to the rear of the pub (Image: Charlotte Bond)