Meet the couple reopening riverside pub after five-year closure

Yahoo

12 hours ago

A businessman with 20 years of hospitality experience is taking the plunge to revive a beloved riverside pub.
Sean Butler-Whyman is joining forces with his husband James to "transform a village pub that was spitting sawdust and bring it back to life".
The 33-year-old has owned and managed The Old White Bell in Southerly for the past 12 years, making the Jenyns Arms his second venture.
Sean (left) and James (right) are preparing to open the Jenyns Arms (Image: Sean Butler-Whyman) The pub is nestled beside the River Great Ouse at Denver Sluice near Downham Market and has been closed since 2021.
Mr Butler-Whyman formed his love for west Norfolk after moving to the county from Essex when he was 12.
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"The Jenyns Arms has always held lots of memories for us as a family," he said.
"When we were getting ready to move, we would come here and reflect on the houses we had viewed and as I got older we would return to catch up with family - it acted as a hub for us all.
The pub in the early 2000s (Image: Newsquest) "When I saw it had closed, I kept contacting the board for three years, finally placed an offer and got accepted."
Locals hold a variety of memories for the venue - from nights partying in the 1970s and 1980s to watching the boats along the river.
"It doesn't look like the Arms that people remember," Sean said. "We walked into a shell that didn't even have plaster on the bar walls."
Renovations under way at the Jenyns Arms (Image: Sean Butler-Whyman)
Lots of refurbishments are under way, including a new family room, heritage pastel colours on the walls and sustainable additions to help the longevity of the pub, including eco-friendly sinks.
"We are working seven days a week, splitting our time between The Old White Bell and renovating the rooms here," Mr Butler-Whyman added.
"It is daunting as I am really keen to open on October 6 but I am excited to create new memories."