THE Lazy Otter riverside restaurant and pub, just off the A10 near Stretham, has reopened following extensive indoor and outdoor refurbishment. Steve Purcell, who previously managed the Red Lion in Stretham, has brought some of his staff with him. Client

THE Lazy Otter riverside restaurant and pub, just off the A10 near Stretham, has reopened following extensive indoor and outdoor refurbishment.

Steve Purcell, who previously managed the Red Lion in Stretham, has brought some of his staff with him. Clients come from all over, says Steve, but there has been a particular upsurge in clientele coming from the river following the waterway's reopening after the Newmarket bridge collapse.

"We've got 38 private moorings here and it's really convenient for those people to come and dine with us, but also those from Ely and drivers on the A10."

"It's been a real challenge and a very busy summer," says Steve. "Obviously the weather plays a big part in our business since we are situated on the marina, but I'm hoping that the updated decor and new Christmas menu with locally sourced meat, which is out in September, will encourage people to see the Lazy Otter as a year-round location for food and real ale. The pub's already great for families but when the new lodges are built I think we'll see a real upsurge in the number of couples coming through the door, with the August Bank Holiday being one the busiest days in our calendar."

The large children's play area at the side of the building has now been fenced in so that parents can enjoy their time at the pub-restaurant knowing that their children are safe and away from the water. New play equipment is set to arrive in April of next year.

As part of the updating process, The Lazy Otter's owners have planning permission to build 13 luxury lodges situated on the marina. Once built, visitors can book a lodge through the Lazy Otter's office and have fine dining on their doorstep thanks to a new menu timetabled for the winter season.

Opening hours: Pub 11am-11pm Monday to Saturday, Sunday 12pm-10.30pm

Restaurant Monday-Thursday 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-9.30pm Friday and Saturday 12pm - 3pm and 6pm- 9.30pm Sunday 12pm-7pm.