New jobs have been created at Yaxham Mill Freehouse after husband and wife, Hugo and Anna Stevenson, bought the pub.

The couple from Weston Longville hope to relaunch the site, in Norwich Road, Yaxham, as The Mill Cafe Bar and Restaurant at the start of next month.

This is the first time they have owned a restaurant business and so far they have employed someone to work front of house and an executive chef, but they need two more staff members to work front of house.

Mr and Mrs Stevenson will upgrade and refurbish the interior of the property and when it opens it will serve seasonal, locally produced ingredients.

The pub forms part of a complex which was completely renovated in 1996 from the derelict mill, built in 1860, and outhouses which stood dormant since 1940.

Located in the former miller's house and chapel, the complex has been converted into holiday cottages and letting accommodation.

The couple also plan to refurbish the six bed and breakfast rooms and five holiday cottages.

Mr Stevenson, 36, a trained barista, will be behind the bar while Mrs Stevenson, 38, will work behind the scenes.

She said: 'I have wanted to own my own restaurant since I was a little girl and this really is a dream come true.'

Her husband added: 'When we originally viewed the Yaxham Mill site we felt it had so much potential. We apologise to the public, in particular residents of Yaxham, who are now temporarily without a pub, but we hope the changes we are making will provide an exciting new venue for the area and we look forward to welcoming guests from the surrounding towns and villages as well as visitors from further afield.'

Mrs Stevenson, who also owns PR company Stevenson Consulting, has carried out the marketing for hotels and restaurants, including The Dorchester Hotel in London for three years.

'We hope to make it a thriving hub for families to come and relax,' she added.

Anyone interested in applying for jobs at The Mill Cafe Bar and Restaurant should contact either Mr or Mrs Stevenson on 01603 881574.