Former flower shop in Diss could become pub and bottleshop

An application has been submitted to South Norfolk Council to turn the shop that used to be Park Flowers by Emily Rose in Diss into a bar and bottleshop.

Submitted by John Cocksedge, the shop would have a bar fitted to the back wall, undergo a full redecoration and the outside area would be used for customer seating, if approved.

The shop was home to a florist for many years (Image: Google)

An eyewitness said that work has been under way to refit the site for a few weeks.

In the application, Mr Cocksedge said: "Based on our market research, we believe the micropub we plan to open will be a welcome and distinctive addition to the existing pub scene in Diss.

"Our aim is to introduce visitors to some of the outstanding products being created by small independent craft breweries, primarily across Norfolk and Suffolk, though also from further afield.

"The rise in independent micropubs across the UK in recent years reflects not only favourable economic conditions for operating small-scale venues, but also the renewed value these spaces bring as social hubs within their communities."

A micropub is a small, simple alehouse that tends to specialise in beer made by independent breweries.

They are often located in converted shops, with some of the smallest micropubs around the size of a standard living room.

The shop is directly next to Fairgreen Fish and Chips and opposite The Park Hotel (Image: Newsquest)

He continued: "Our micropub will also revive a small but meaningful part of Diss’ history.

"The property itself previously operated as a public house — first as The Chequers and later as The Denmark Arms — from 1865 until 1984.

"Our venture offers an opportunity to bring that heritage back to life while giving it a modern, community-minded purpose."