Two friends are to give a pub 'the love it deserves' after taking over as landlords and relaunching the business.

Paul Emery, 36, and Jack Fountain, 35, took over Livingstones in Kessingland in June and are hoping to return the pub to its glory days.

Mr Emery, originally from Kent, and Mr Fountain, from Southwold, have a long history of working in pubs with stints at the Kings Head and the Swan Hotel in Southwold respectively.

Livingstones is their first venture together after they decided to quit their jobs selling cars and open a pub.

Mr Emery said: 'We were just speaking about doing something else and we got wind of a potential opportunity which unfortunately wasn't realised.

'A week later we noticed Livingstones was on the market. We struck it off with the owner, made him an offer, and he accepted.'

He added: 'We want to create something that has not been seen here before. We are really excited about it and the feedback has been really positive.

'People are walking in and are saying they are feeling lifted by the attitude.'

Alongside a selection of real ales and wines from a local supplier, the pub will be serving fresh, local, food and will reinstate a carvery on Sundays.

There is also a pool table, parking for horses, live music, and the owners plan to offer out the pub's function room to community groups.

Mr Emery said: 'We want to give this building and this pub the love it deserves and restore it to its former glory and the days of old.

'We will be redecorating and re-carpeting but what we were conscious of is not shutting it down so we can cater to the locals.'

He added: 'It feels great to be going into business with each other. We have each other's backs, we know that we will work hard together to make it a success.

'We are here long term. This is not just a little whim, we're here for at least 20 years.'

The pub will host an official opening night on August 4 with a hog roast and live music from 6pm.