The re-furbishment of 2004, after the disappearance
of "Hot Woks", was total : including windows
( 'black glass' ) and a new solid-wood door.

The bar was taken from the centre, reduced in size
and moved to the far end (left-hand side).

The remainder of the area was largely devoted
to restaurant use; including, of course,
an expensive kitchen re-fit.

The original firm who created this new restaurant
stuck to the name Merchants of Colegate.

They did not stay in business for very long;
as they had spent far too much money;
much of it on an off-putting exterior.
They also seemed quite unaware of
all the good local competition.

The cousins who opened the Indian restaurant in
Feb. 2012 have spent £80,000 on re-furbishment.

The tenants from March 2001, as well as the lessees
"Eager Cause", were unable to continue with the lease
after 7th August 2007.

A short-term lease, from 18th December, was arranged
by Criterion (see Research) with the landlords of the
nearby Lawyer : namely David Turnbull
(since 1979 the licensee of the Blue Boar)
and Nick De'Ath, landlord of the Unthank Arms
since 2001 at least.
This partnership, however, did not pursue their interest
after the initial period ended on 1st March 2008.

From April of that year, two or three groups of licensees
made efforts to keep the pub open; but, by the beginning
of October, things looked very bleak for the future of
the pub; and for the Listed Building it has always
occupied.

Circa 22nd June 2009 a temporary[1]
re-opening took place.
Some 3 weeks later, the landlady was still
waiting for cask ales to arrive.
The pub was again closed by the middle of October;
although 'squatters' appear to be in possession.

[1] The 'To Let' side was still affixed to the building;
      and the pub environs were in a poor state.

Indulge Ltd. came to the rescue in 2010, 'officially'
opening the pub on 19th June with the modified name
of The Woolie - which was its nickname anyway.

Continued . . .

Danny Banthorpe, Indulge's promotions manager,
is reported as saying :
For far too long, Norwich's second oldest pub
has sat dormant - but at last it has been regenerated,
rebranded and renamed The Woolie.

Keeping its original charm, character and ambience,
The Woolie promises to provide local residents,
businesses and students a traditional boozer that's
open all day, every day from 11 a.m. until late.
The Woolie will be very student friendly : offering
all students a discount, and will be serving food all day.

There is also a pre-order service; simply call and
order from the office or lecture room and your meal
and even a pint will be waiting on arrival.
Sundays will have the 'soon to be famous'
Woolie Sunday roasts.

The pub will be run under a manager - one Mark Harris.
A considerable amount of money has been spent on
a complete renovation, not all of it internally.

The sad loss of another Free House may be accounted
for by Greene King brewery sharing the refurbishment
costs with Indulge Ltd.
A pint of GK alleged "IPA" cost £3.00

There are 2 High Def. TV screens with full Sky
and ESPN sports. 15% Food discounts for students.