A chef who previously worked alongside Jamie Oliver has been recruited by a Norfolk pub to revamp its menu.

Ahead of the re-opening of its restaurant on December 10, The Crown in Fakenham has appointed a new chef, Sebastian Harris, who has created a new locally-sourced menu.

Mr Harris has returned to Fakenham after 16 years of working in London for a number of chefs, including Marco Pierre White and Jamie Oliver.

Dereham Times: The new chef at The Crown at Fakenham, Seb Harris, front, with, from left, junior sous chef, Kaiya Kurucu; landlady Alie Hannam, and sous chef, Kirsty Palmer. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe new chef at The Crown at Fakenham, Seb Harris, front, with, from left, junior sous chef, Kaiya Kurucu; landlady Alie Hannam, and sous chef, Kirsty Palmer. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Alie Hannam, landlady at The Crown, said: “I feel really positive about the new menu. I want people to come and try it.

“People have been stuck indoors and want to come out and I want to offer people good locally sourced food."

Dereham Times: One of the lunch options at The Crown at Fakenham, toasted brioche with wild mushrooms and confit cherry tomatoes, with garlic sauce and baby herbs. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the lunch options at The Crown at Fakenham, toasted brioche with wild mushrooms and confit cherry tomatoes, with garlic sauce and baby herbs. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The pub which currently runs an Italian restaurant has shifted to a more ‘gastropub’ feel. It has also been redecorated with new lighting and images of Fakenham’s past on the wall.

Dereham Times: The new chef at The Crown at Fakenham, Seb Harris, front, with, from left, landlady Alie Hannam; sous chef, Kirsty Palmer; and junior sous chef, Kaiya Kurucu. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe new chef at The Crown at Fakenham, Seb Harris, front, with, from left, landlady Alie Hannam; sous chef, Kirsty Palmer; and junior sous chef, Kaiya Kurucu. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Dereham Times: The Crown in Fakenham dates back to the 15th century. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Crown in Fakenham dates back to the 15th century. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The pub has adapted to the changing landscape caused by the pandemic, making changes to their opening times, running a sit-down disco, and running a substantial meal promotion to get people back in the pub safely.

Dereham Times: One of the lunch options at The Crown at Fakenham, a warm winter salad with poached Norfolk carrots, roasted pear, charred sweetcorn, chicory beetroot with a light lemon vinaigrette. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the lunch options at The Crown at Fakenham, a warm winter salad with poached Norfolk carrots, roasted pear, charred sweetcorn, chicory beetroot with a light lemon vinaigrette. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)