Now, 25 years later, his adoration has turned in to reality after taking on a 16th century village watering hole.

Mr Willenbring and his partner, Jo Brand, have opened the doors to The Fox in Shadingfield, near Beccles, after nine months of renovation. 

The pub, which sits on the edge of Sotterley Park, has been closed since last September after it opened under the tenant Adam Huxtable in February. 

Now Mr Willenbring, who has owned the pub since 2021, has decided to bring it back in-house and run it himself. 

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Kai Willenbring outside the newly refurbished Shadingfield Fox (Image: Denise Bradley) READ MORE: One Stop's plans for Bridge Stores in Loddon, Norfolk

He said: "I want it to be a traditional English pub with good food. 

"So many pubs are closing and but they are vital."

Ms Brand said they have been "very encouraged" after the first opening weekend. 

She added: "We are excited. The first weekend has given us a lot of hope and it was just a fantastic start. 

"We want to make it the heart of the local area."

The front of house team, Glenda Clark, left, and Adele Wisby. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Shadingfield Fox near Beccles. (Image: Denise Bradley) Originally from Germany, Mr Willenbring's love affair with British pub culture and its ales began during a visit to London in 2000.

Since then, it has been his dream to run his own. 

He bought the Shadingfield Fox in 2021 but it has been run by tenants over the years. 

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Head chef David Murty, left, and sous chef Scott Dickinson (Image: Denise Bradley)

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Scott Dickinson and David Murty, who have previously worked as chefs at Graze at The White Horse in Beccles, have also joined the team. 

Mr Murty said: "We are very excited and we have lots of plans for the future. 

"Everyone has put a lot of heart and soul into it."

While Mr Dickinson added: "We have a really good response and it feels like we have a really good team here."

The pub is offering food and a range of ales - both sourced locally - with plans for music and events in the future.