The new owners will continue to run the hotel with eight bedrooms, while the ground floor will become a Bread Source café and shop.
 
The Dial House had been run by Hannah Springham and Andrew Jones of Norwich’s Farmyard restaurant, who took over the business in 2018.
 
The Reepham-based couple said: “The time has come to hand over the keys to this beautiful place. It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride and we wouldn’t change a moment."
 
They admitted that, like others in the hospitality business, they had struggled through the pandemic and recent “frightening” cost rises, “but sharing special moments with both our team and our guests has always given us strength. Thank you for the memories and for being part of our epic journey.”
 
All three new owners have been a part of the local community for many years. Brothers James and Tom Ellis have been involved in Reepham’s commercial life for more than 30 years as part of the family-owned holiday cottage business (which was taken over by self-catering holiday rentals firm Travel Chapter in 2022), while Mr Winter started selling bread at Reepham Market in 2013 and now has several artisan bakeries and cafés in Aylsham and Norwich.
 
“We want to be an active part of the Reepham community and build a business that is loved by the locals and brings visitors to our lovely town,” the syndicate stated.
 
The new owners plan to close the restaurant for a short time while part of the building is renovated, which is set to reopen as a shop and café. The bedrooms and the Country Salon hairdresser will remain unaffected during this time.
 
Grade II listing
 
Sited on an early 17th century building, the Grade II listed building was rebuilt and extended in 1729 and originally named the Dial House because of a large sundial over the front door.
 
The house was converted into a commercial hotel in 1972 and renamed the Old Brewery House Hotel in recognition of its previous role as a residence of the Bircham family that had run a brewery in Reepham for several generations and because one of the hotel’s principal rooms used to be the brewery.
 
The premises were acquired from a company related to Oxford Hotels & Inns in 2013 by Iain Wilson of Holt-based Byfords, who renovated the building, demolished the sports centre at the rear of the property, built a number of residential units, including redeveloped and new-build properties, opened a restaurant and retail business on the ground floor and opened the eight bed-and-breakfast rooms.
 
See our earlier stories:

• Award-winning hotel and restaurant for sale
• The Dial House bought by Reepham couple
• Byfords to purchase Reepham’s Old Brewery House Hotel
• Reepham-based holiday cottage business sold
• Bread stall hits the spot at market