Michelin-starred restaurant could become homes

An 18th Century former coaching inn that currently houses a Michelin-starred restaurant could be turned into two homes.

The owners of The Neptune in Old Hunstanton, Norfolk, said profits had been squeezed while its guest rooms had struggled to compete against Airbnb.

Since 2007 the restaurant has been run by chef Kevin Mangeolles and his wife Jacki – and their agents said there had been "no genuine interest" from buyers taking on the business.

King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council is due to decide on their application to change the use of the building at a later date.

With the building believed to date back to the 1780s, the Mangeolles converted the Neptune pub into a fine dining restaurant 19 years ago.

Since 2009 it has featured in the Michelin guide and it has also been awarded three AA rosettes, with it currently offering a tasting menu at £120 per person.

According to their planning agents, Acorus, the restaurant seats up to 20 diners, with the couple running the business with just the support of a pot-washer and cleaner.

It also has five guest bedrooms.

But in an application for change of use, Brian Barrow, from Acorus, said with "the rise in popularity of Airbnb" and competition from other hotels, it was becoming more difficult to let the rooms.

He also said turnover fell by 25% last year while costs rose, meaning the business was "becoming increasingly difficult to run".

According to Barrow, "no interest" was shown in buying the business despite it being advertised over a period of 18 months – and with an eye on retirement, the couple wanted permission for it to be used as residential accommodation.

He also argued the community would not lose a local facility as the building had not been a pub since 2007, while other restaurants were available in the area.

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