For almost two centuries, the Stag has been at the heart of a tiny Norfolk community.
But it is now the focus of a bitter feud in the tiny hamlet of West Acre, after a group of locals launched a campaign against plans to transform the traditional country pub into a "trendy" gastropub to draw in wealthy outsiders.
They claim the modernising changes - which include graffiti in the loos, craft beer on tap and an upmarket menu - have robbed the pub, which is owned by one of Norfolk's largest landowners, of its original 'spit and sawdust' charm and some drinkers have vowed never to set foot inside again.
The extraordinary saga has dragged on for months, pitting villagers against each other and has even seen police called out.
ROOTS OF THE ROW
The pub opened in 1835 and has seen generations of drinkers charmed by its flint-knapped exterior, wooden beams and real ale on tap and - more recently - its location on the popular Nar Valley Way walking route.
But in May 2022, the landlords at West Acre Estate asked the tenants to leave so it could create a new look for the pub.
The estate is owned by the Birkbecks, who are reputed to be Norfolk's fourth largest private landowners.
The family made their money in banking - their banking partnership went on to become part of Barclays - and bought the 8,800 acre estate more than 100 years ago.
Although West Acre itself is home to fewer than 300 people, the village, near Swaffham, already has attractions to draw in visitors including an art gallery and a community theatre, with broadcaster Stephen Fry among its patrons.
The estate hoped to capitalise on this, with a new strategy to bring in even more visitors to the tiny village.
A major part of this initiative was a huge 'rewilding' scheme over vast swathes of the surrounding countryside, to encourage wildlife.
But at its heart is the makeover for the pub, in the centre of the village, and adjoining Ford Cottage, which the estate hoped to turn into a cafe, farm shop and holiday lets.
BACKLASH BEGINS
But the pub revamp plans went down like a pint of flat lager with some regulars, who set up a campaign group to resist the proposals, naming themselves the Stag Patrons Action Group (SPAG).
A leading figure in the group was John Hansell, from nearby Narborough.
"The pub was the hub of the area, not just for locals but people living in the surrounding villages," he said.
"We worried the changes would mean this gem of an English country pub would be lost."
The pub had a very traditional decor, its walls and ceiling adorned with brewery beer mats collected over the years, with stag antlers taking pride of place behind the bar, alongside countryside paraphernalia like horseshoes and brass buckles.
The group were concerned this old fashioned style - and traditional choice of beer - would be lost.
They also feared that the proposed holiday lets would also see stag and hen parties descend on the quiet pub.
"The work carried out has made it a completely different place, making it more modern and trendy and also losing much of the garden into a car park.
"A lot of traditional pubs are becoming more upmarket. It feels like the British way of life is disappearing fast."
BATTLE COMMENCES
Because the makeover plans included changes to surrounding buildings, planning permission was required - giving the SPAG the opportunity to make their voices heard.
A total of 38 objections to the scheme were lodged with the local council, West Norfolk, which was considering the proposals.
The parish council also objected, arguing that while in support of improvements to the pub, it worried the holiday lets would lead to increased traffic travelling along the narrow village lanes, posing a risk to safety.
The row took a dramatic twist when police were tipped off about allegations that a protected bat roost had been disturbed during building work at Ford Cottage.
Officers investigated, but took no action. However, the incident was recorded in a council report into the saga: "Demolition work at Ford Cottage was carried out before two bat surveys were completed, which was then reported to Norfolk Police.
"The first bat survey found evidence of bats there - pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats - second survey recorded that result as well but showed roosts had been interfered.
"No evidence of harm to individual bats was found… this incident is regrettable but not considered a significant constraint to the overall survey results and impact assessment.”
But while there were a number of objectors, there were also several people in the village who supported the changes.
Some 36 letters were sent to the council backing the plans and arguing the development would help support the local economy and ensure the pub remained a thriving local asset.
DEFEAT FOR SPAG
For 18 months, SPAG battled against the plans, with some success.
Their objections saw the original plans for the pub complex scaled back, and they no longer include a shop and cafe.
However, ultimately, West Norfolk councillors backed the changes, voting unanimously to support the revamp at a planning committee meeting this month.
Alistair Beales, who represents the ward, said: "All in all this will be an asset for the village and help safeguard the future of the pub."
Councilor Alun Ryves agreed but sympathised with locals' concerns that the holiday lets could end up being used by noisy stag and hen parties and asked for assurances this would be protected against.
The pub, for its part, insists that - despite the name - the Stag will not be used by such guests and will instead offer a base for those visiting the area to enjoy a show at the village theatre or to explore the re-wilding project.
THE LOCALS' VIEW
The changes to the pub itself have now been made, much to the sadness of some.
The renovations include an updated bar area, new colourful furniture and graffiti-clad walls in the toilets.
There is also an expanded car park and new pub signs.
The beer selection, which previously focused on local real ales, is now devoted to more modern keg-conditioned beers sourced from Duration Brewery just a few minutes walk away.
A new menu has also been launched, including smoked trout (£13), Stag fried chicken (£16), ribs (£17) and chicken and tarragon pie (£17); along with venison, pork or chicken burger (£15). Sandwiches are priced at £7.50.
"The work carried out has made it a completely different place, making it more modern and trendy and also losing much of the garden into a car park," said Mr Hansell.
"A lot of traditional pubs are becoming more upmarket. It feels like the British way of life is disappearing fast."
He said he now travels on the bus to King's Lynn for a pint of real ale.
"I won't go back - once you've changed things it's gone.
"Perhaps it is a sign we are moving to different times. It isn't the same having to get on a bus for a pint rather than jumping on my bicycle and popping down the road."
But many locals are happy with the more upmarket feel and say they have helped make the village a vibrant community, with a thriving local economy.
Miranda Hudson runs nearby brewery Duration Brewing, which supplies the Stag, said: "I feel together with the theatre, the gallery, the brewery, the pub, it makes a really gentle leisure atmosphere and gives local people and those visiting Norfolk something to do.
"In order to be viable these days, you have to draw from a wider community.
"It's so hard in rural areas to get viable businesses off the ground."
One member of staff at the pub, who did not wish to be named, said: "People are coming in still, lots of people are in support.
"If you look at the menu, it hasn't really gone gastro, it's burgers and toasted sarnies."
Among those visiting the pub recently were surveyor Chris Brown and his wife Michelle.
The couple, from Ely, were staying at Tattersett, near Fakenham. Both had opted for fried chicken.
"It's marvellous, said Mr Brown. "We didn't even know this place was here.
"It's got amazing atmosphere, friendly staff and amazing food."
PROSPECTS OF RECONCILIATION?
The pub management has said it is a "shame" that some locals are upset by the changes but that they would be welcome to return.
"We have many supporters and the pub remains popular," said a spokesman, adding: "It is a lovely spot.
"Our clientele is from a broad spectrum and we have a steady flow of walkers who visit and dogs are always welcome."
The Birkbeck family, who own and manage the West Acre estate were unavailable for comment.
Additional reporting by Chris Bishop
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