A new era is on the horizon for a town centre pub with its new landlady "committing everything" she can to give the venue a fresh lease of life.

For Chloe Rae and her team of staff, taking on the old Wheatsheaf Pub in Lowestoft was an "opportunity too good to miss".

Having stood as "a prominent corner building" within the North Lowestoft Conservation Area since around 1900, the former Wheatsheaf was closed amid the coronavirus lockdown in March 2020.

Having not reopened since, due to "the tenant at that time encountering financial difficulties," the lease of the grade II listed building was surrendered in September 2021.

Lowestoft Journal: Staff show off the new Carousel pub in Lowestoft. Staff show off the new Carousel pub in Lowestoft. (Image: Mick Howes)

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Eager to stamp her mark, and in a sign of the new era, a decision was made to christen the pub The Carousel, a name it formerly had in the 1950s.

It has a new bar and there are plans for a kitchen to open in the new year.

Mrs Rae said: "I am very excited to be taking on this beautiful old building right in the heart of town, I have a great team working with me and we feel good.

Lowestoft Journal: Chloe Ray at the Carousel pub in Lowestoft. Chloe Ray at the Carousel pub in Lowestoft. (Image: Mick Howes)

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"We are committing everything to make this opportunity that simply was too good to miss work.

"I decided to rename the business to leave The Wheatsheaf that everyone remembers in the past. 

"We want to create a friendly atmosphere of old school drinking with a new school feel.

"We want bums on seats, people to come hang out, and enjoy our fine selection of drinks, once we are up and running we will get the kitchen in action too," she added.

Mrs Rae used to be at The Volunteer in Lowestoft and she has "always dreamed" of running a pub with her name above the door.

Lowestoft Journal: The Carousel, formerly the Wheatsheaf, has reopened under new management. The Carousel, formerly the Wheatsheaf, has reopened under new management. (Image: Mick Howes)

She said: "My nan used to run pubs when she was younger, she was a tough old girl. 

"I took a lot of inspiration from her and have always dreamed of the chance to run my own pub and I can't wait to open."

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The venue will be showing sports on TNT Sports and Sky Sports.

It also has a function room, pool table and darts board to keep punters entertained.

Doors to The Carousel will open to the public at 3pm on Friday, December 15.