Final preparations are being made to a Norfolk village's 17th-century pub as it prepares to reopen.

Paul Holland says he "cannot wait" to open the doors of the Wortwell Bell, just off the A143 in between Bungay and Harleston, after it closed in September.

It will reopen on Friday.

He will be running it with his wife Michelle and his son Harrison and the premises will be the sister company to his brewery.

Mr Holland, 58, runs the Stow Farm Brewery in the neighbouring village of Flixton where he grew up.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Paul Holland will have five of his very own Stow Fen Farm Brewery beers on rotation when he opensPaul Holland will have five of his very own Stow Fen Farm Brewery beers on rotation when he opens (Image: Bruno Brown)

He said: "I am really excited to be opening the Wortwell Bell.

"After months of negotiations when it was finally agreed I could sell my own beers on tap, it was too good of an opportunity to refuse.

"The support and kind words I have had from people who share my excitement that we are opening has been lovely and we can't wait for Friday."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Mr Holland has been busy deep cleaning and rearranging the pubMr Holland has been busy deep cleaning and rearranging the pub (Image: Bruno Brown)

The new landlord has big plans for the future and will officially open the doors of the venue on Friday, March 1.

Having found out he was collecting the keys just three weeks ago Mr Holland has been busy putting his own stamp on the place.

READ MORE: Brewery owner has 'exciting plans' for 16th-century village pub having reopened it

"Further down the line, I hope to open a darts team if people are interested, curry nights, get the kitchen thriving.

"The pub has so much potential, I've sorted the back room out which is a nice cosy seated environment.

"The "locals drinking bar " incorporates a roaring log burner and includes a very good selection of cask beers, wines and spirits and a nice quiet little snug lounge.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Landlord Paul Holland pictured outside of The Wortwell BellLandlord Paul Holland pictured outside of The Wortwell Bell (Image: Bruno Brown)

Mr Holland added: "Our extensive range of cask beers will be solely supplied by our sister company.

"We will serve up to nine deliciously cask ales, which we will rotate up to five at a time.

"The back bar now includes a multi "sports" channel TV & traditional pub games.

READ MORE: Norfolk pub 'beats winter blues' to reopen after second phase of refurbishment

"There is also so much space outside too so for the summer months can envisage people sitting out the back on the decked area all day," Mr Holland said.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The Wortwell BellThe Wortwell Bell (Image: Bruno Brown)

READ MORE: Cocktail bar closed down after noise complaints applies for full licence

"We have many summer plans of our own, which include opening the garage for beer festivals and live music events," Mr Holland said.

The Wortwell Bell historically got its name in the 1800s when the landlord would ring a bell to inform people in the village the brewed beer was ready.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The Wortwell Bell The Wortwell Bell (Image: Bruno Brown)