The Marsham Arms pub and restaurant near Norwich up for sale

Nigel Bradley, 72, took over the Marsham Arms in Holt Road in 1976 but is now selling up as he looks to retire.

The Marsham Arms has hit the market for £1m (Image: Newsquest) He said: "My mum first brought me to the pub when I was 11 years old.

"I went to City College for three years, got all my qualifications, and returned to run the pub in the 1970s.

"Over the years it has been transformed from a small pub into the pub, restaurant and 16 bedrooms that it is today.

Owner Nigel Bradley has been connected to the pub for 60 years (Image: Newsquest) "It has been a wonderful pleasure."

Mr Bradley recalls serving chicken, scampi and chips to hungry diners back in the 1970s, eating pate by the fire during power cuts with customers and adding to the building over the decades, even living at the pub for several years.

A fire broke out in the building in 2010 and the pub underwent a huge refurbishment that year.

The pub suffered a fire in 2010 and closed for several months for a big refurbishment (Image: Submitted) He said: "The whole thing is about sharing the experience with lovely people.

"All of our customers have been so loyal and we have served multiple generations of families throughout the years.

"We have groups from around the UK who return time and time again for a week away at the pub - some of which have already booked for 2025."

Old pictures show how the pub looked in 1967 (Image: Newsquest) Now, with plans to retire, Mr Bradley has made the tough choice to put the pub on the market, with rightbiz.co.uk listing the pub for £1 million.

READ MORE: Riverbank pub hits the market as owners step down after 20 years pulling pints

He said: "It has been a heartfelt and difficult decision to have to make. 

"It is a lovely place to be and a great business to be in, but the only way I can retire is to sell the place.

"It is a difficult time to sell a business but I really want to see it thrive."