Hunworth Bell plans revised by Stody Estate after concerns

The Hunworth Bell, near Holt, has been closed since May following the departure of its landlords due to financial difficulties. 

In July, the owners of the freehold, Stody Estate, laid out plans to shrink the size of the pub, known locally as the Hunny Bell, and convert the rest of the site into housing.

But concerns that the pub could close down under those proposals have seen the plans "evolve".

The Hunworth Bell has been facing financial difficulties and it closed in May (Image: AW PR)

In a statement, Charlie McNichol, one of the directors of Stody Estate, said the owners have listened to "a very wide range of views and feedback on the future of the Hunny Bell, not all of which agree with each other".

The outcome is the pub will now hold onto its larger food offering and add overnight guest accommodation.

Karl Carter, chairman of Stody with Hunworth Parish Council, said: "I’m pleased with the changes that have been made, Stody Estate have listened."

More detailed proposals will be revealed in the autumn.

READ MORE: Award-winning couple leaving north Norfolk pub after seven years

In another development, the estate has rejected a bid to buy the pub from Adrian Springett and reiterated that the venue is not for sale.

Meanwhile, North Norfolk District Council has received nominations to list the Hunworth Bell as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) - one from Hunworth Parish Council and another from the Friends of the Hunworth Bell.

The outcome of the nominations are due to be determined by September 10 and a decision issued to all parties by September 17.

Mr McNichol said the estate has no wish to fight the ACV.

"We are the first to value the social and community benefit of the Hunny Bell which is one of the reasons why we have always invested in it and subsidised it," he said. 

Tony Britten on set with John Hurt during the filming of ChickLit in 2015. (Image: Andrew Midgley)

'Harsh reality'

The Hunny Bell, as locals call it, stands on the village green and was formally called the Bluebell Inn. The building dates from the 18th century.

The most recent landlords, Ben and Sarah Handley, took on the lease in the summer of 2017. 

Under their stewardship, the pub quickly gained a strong reputation, including being named the runner-up in the GQ Food and Drink Awards 2018 for Best Pub in the UK. 

Since 2008, however, the venue has been run by three different sets of landlords. 

The "harsh reality", according to the owners, is that the pub, despite its accolades, was losing money. 

Over the years, The Hunny Bell has welcomed famous guests including Prince Harry who dropped by while working with charity Walking With The Wounded. 

The late John Hurt spent a number of months filming there when it was picked as the main setting for the comedy film ChickLit, which was later screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015.