A bar and nightclub which closed during the pandemic is making a comeback with new owners at the helm.

Long John's Back Pier in Great Yarmouth is welcoming partygoers at its much-anticipated relaunch event later this month.

It comes after Britannia Pier, along Marine Parade, was taken over by new owners Joseph Abbott and Joseph Manning from Triangle Amusements Ltd - who also own Leisureland Arcade along Yarmouth's seafront - in December. 

And their first decision in charge was to reopen the bar and nightclub.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The back of Britannia Pier back in 2014The back of Britannia Pier back in 2014 (Image: Nick Butcher/Archant)

Deputy pier manager, Keegan Snell, said: "We tried opening Long John's again from September to December in 2021, but with Covid restrictions in place there just weren't enough people.

"Since then we have literally had hundreds of people asking when Long John's is reopening.

"So when we announced the relaunch date it just went crazy.

"The support has been absolutely amazing. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Long John's Back Pier pictured in 2014Long John's Back Pier pictured in 2014 (Image: Nick Butcher/Archant)

"I can't wait to see the place packed again. We are expecting this event to be huge, with a lot of old faces. 

"We need to get that town's nightlife thriving again - like it used to be."

The relaunch event on Saturday, January 28, from 8pm until 4am, will have free entry all night, along with top DJs, confetti cannons, glowsticks and drink deals.

The Pier Tavern, which closed just before Christmas while the new owners took over, will also reopen on Saturday, January 7.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Long John's Back Pier is reopening after popular demand. Pictured is a previously packed night at the venueLong John's Back Pier is reopening after popular demand. Pictured is a previously packed night at the venue (Image: Keegan Snell)

Mr Abbott says they have "big plans" for Britannia Pier and they hope to "breathe new life" into the historic venue.

He added: "Britannia Pier needs a lot of updating.

"But we have a lot of plans and capital to invest. There will be lots of exciting things to come.

"We really wanted to get Long John's reopened to drum up some excitement and get the pier back on the map in Yarmouth.

"And everyone is happy that it's opening again."

The news of Long John's Back Pier reopening comes as its fellow Yarmouth venue, The Empire Lounge Bar, in Marine Parade, announced its permanent closure.

Owner Mario George said he was unable to comment while plans for the future are being discussed.