The reopening of a Norfolk village pub has been delayed after a brewery said it is focusing on an "enormous" project instead.

After shutting its doors in January, The Artichoke Pub in Broome has remained closed and pub-goers in the area have been wondering when it may reopen. 

Lacons Brewery had launched a new project to reclaim some of its former pub estates ten years after the business returned to Great Yarmouth, starting with The Artichoke Pub. 

And now the brewery says the pub's reopening has been delayed due to it focussing on work at its Lowestoft distribution centre and hopes the Brome premises will be open in the spring.

READ MORE: The Artichoke in Broome announces sudden closure in January

The Artichoke as it appeared in 2009The Artichoke as it appeared in 2009 (Image: Newsquest) Amy Hancock, Lacons marketing manager, next to the famous falcon emblem at the Artichoke pub in BroomeAmy Hancock, Lacons marketing manager, next to the famous falcon emblem at The Artichoke pub in Broome (Image: Lacons) READ MORE: Wightman & Co Flooring has opened new shop in Bungay

Mick Carver, managing director at Lacons, said: “We are currently undertaking an enormous project expanding our Lowestoft distribution centre and relocating to a new site which is taking precedence over everything at the moment. 

“Work is still ongoing at The Artichoke but is delayed due to the extensive renovation work and updates required to the conversion of the Victorian septic processor to mains drains connection by which an application has been submitted. 

“We are regrettably now looking at a potential new opening date in spring 2025.”

READ MORE: Norwich and its Belgian twin city to brew new beer together

The old Lacons Brewery on Brewery Plain in central YarmouthThe old Lacons Brewery on Brewery Plain in central Yarmouth (Image: Archant Archive)

READ MORE: Norfolk's Artichoke pub celebrates new food hygiene rating

Former owners of The Artichoke, Colin and Alison Nicholas, closed the pub doors suddenly in January after managing the pub for seven years.

Last summer, the pub received a one-star hygiene rating.

After measures were taken to refurbish and improve the kitchen, it received a four-star rating. 

Lacon's last brew on March 1, 1968 Lacon's last brew on March 1, 1968 (Image: Archant Archives) READ MORE: Lacons launches project to reclaim former pubs in region

Under previous owners, The Artichoke was voted the 2009 CAMRA Norfolk Pub of the Year.

Lacons dates back to 1760 and known for its feathered emblem of a proud falcon that stood sentinel at hundreds of pubs across the county.

The long lineage of the brewery came to an end in 1968 when its owners Whitbread shut it down, but the business then returned to Great Yarmouth in 2013.