Norfolk pub Geldeston Locks Inn recovers from flooding

The Locks Inn at Geldeston is one of Norfolk's most remote pubs as it sits amid low-lying marshes on the banks of the River Waveney.

The 500-year-old establishment is used to the river flooding but it had been forced to close recently as it became surrounded by water.

But now the pub, in between Beccles and Bungay, is open and thriving again following a series of storms leading to deluges of flood water heading to the venue.

The flood water was one inch from the pub in this picture (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Graham Elliott, from the Locks Inn committee, lives downstream from the pub and wants as many people as possible to come and enjoy the "cosy" venue.

He said: "We are not through the flood season yet but we are confident that we are through the worst of it.

"We have a packed schedule of events ahead and after the confusion of being forced to close due to floods so regularly we want to let people know we are back."

Pint of ale? Better set sail! Left to right: Frank Barrett, Graham Elliott, Nicky Elliott and Jodie Barrett (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The pub was bought by the community in 2020 and the investment of 1,600 stakeholders is something which Mr Elliott says gives the pub a "strong business model".

"It has been a rough time yes, but we have a really strong team here who are all totally devoted to the pub.

READ MORE: What is life like at the Geldeston Locks when it is surrounded by EIGHT MILES of flood water?

"We have 1,600 people who own the pub which has aided to create a really strong business model as there are so many people all really caring about its future," Mr Elliott said.

"We are a remote riverside pub and the journey to the pub makes one appreciate just how remote it is. We can be accessed by river, footpath or car."

Flooding at the Geldeston Locks in early November 2023 (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The pub, as the name suggests, was originally a lockkeeper’s cottage.

Mr Elliott added the building and location help to create a lovely ambience and he wants people to come and meet friends and make friends there.

"The Locks in the winter, with the candles alight and the fires roaring, creates a unique and intimate atmosphere, it is a special and very cosy place to be.

"Now we are open with a series of events planned too. We would love for people to come and visit us and our beautiful pub," he said.

"The team at the pub have missed seeing customers and there is a great feeling of optimism in the air as the days ever so slightly are getting longer.

"We have a packed events programme for February and the busy summer season is on the horizon."

Since the community ownership took on the pub they have sought 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 river Waveney in flood pictured from the bridge at the Geldeston Locks (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The pub also now has solar panels and a generator.

When the spring arrives the pub hopes to invite shareholders to assist in a full refurbishment on the beaten track, Locks Lane, which has taken a battering over the winter months.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT THE LOCKS

Friday, February 2 at 7.30pm – an Imbolc celebration with Old Glory Molly Dancers and Musicians”.  

Imbolc marks the end of the dark quarter of the year and gives optimism and an early taste of spring.  

Saturday, February 3 at 7.30pm – John Kirkpatrick, one of the big names in the folk world for the last 50 years, will perform in a ticketed event at the pub. 

There are also all the regular music sessions every Thursday, games nights, quizzes and Sunday afternoon bands.

For a list of future events visit www.thelocksinn.com/events

Geldeston Locks Inn events planned for February (Image: Geldeston Locks Inn)

Mr Elliott wading to the pub along the flooded track (Image: Charlotte Bond)