Filby Bridge Restaurant in Norfolk marks 40th anniversary

The Filby Bridge Restaurant, on Main Road in Filby, was opened in 1983 by Jennifer Colman and her late husband John Barnes.   

The couple had moved in with their children Louise and Richard in the spring of that year. At the time, the site was just a prefab building open only during the summer season – not the well-known venue it has become today. 

Jennifer provided homemade food and refreshments while John looked after the rowing boats hired out for a paddle around Filby Broad or to anglers looking for a day’s sport. 

In the winter of 1989/90, the existing restaurant started to take shape.

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The Filby Bridge Restaurant has been celebrating 40 years in business. (Image: Nick Butcher)

The family removed an old boat house and outside toilets and replaced them with a building called the Gallery, which would be one half of the restaurant. 

In the winter of 1991/2, the left side was added and called the Granary.  

Over the years, many special occasions have been celebrated at the venue.  

Tony Elms, who is married to Louise Elms, daughter of Jennifer and John, has been working at the business for 24 years.  

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"Nowadays some businesses are lucky to last 40 days," he said. "I think because we are a family business, this has helped us to stay open for so long. You give more of a personal service. 

"When it's your own business, you go the extra mile," he said.   

Over the years, everybody in the family has been involved in running the venue. The head chef is Richard Barnes, 54, son of Jennifer and John. 

Mr Elms, 59, said the highlight of working at the restaurant is the customers. 

"It’s the conversations and building a rapport with our regulars. Over the years we’ve seen them come and unfortunately then pass on." 

The main challenges are competition and managing prices. 

"When we first started, eating out was not as prevalent as it is now," Mr Elms said.  

"The amount of places that are opening up now, it seems that everytime a shop closes it reopens as a restaurant or a coffee shop, but the competition can be a good thing." 

A view of the Broads from Filby Bridge Restaurant. (Image: James Bass)

The restaurant has had to adapt over time, changing their menus and their decor.  

"One of the main challenges this year is managing the prices, getting the price right so people are still happy to come along," he said. 

"Nowadays you have to look at costs more than in the past." 

Despite the cost of living concerns, Mr Elms is optimistic about the future. 

"We've had a very busy year, busier this year than last year," he said. 

Jennifer said: “The success of the business is down to the hard work, a warm welcome for all from Tony, Louise, and mother and daughter duo Dawn and Danielle.” 

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One of regular highlights is the monthly quiz, which was originally started to raise funds for the Filby clock tower, and by public demand has remained a popular night out for raising money for local charities and an opportunity for good-natured competition orchestrated by quizmaster Mr Elms. 

Jennifer has now re-married and is enjoying a well-earned rest from the day to day running of the business. 

She said: “As a family business, the last 40 years have seen many happy customers, either enjoying a delicious lunch or intimate dinner in the evening, not to mention the many functions to celebrate special occasions of all kinds, including weddings as the scenery offers a wonderful vista, and backdrop for all the budding photographers.”