Cupola House, in Bury St Edmunds, to open as an authentic Japanese restaurant later this year

A landmark building in Bury St Edmunds with a chequered past has found a new tenant and will open as an authentic Japanese restaurant called Sakura later this year.

Cupola House, in The Traverse, has been let by property specialists Fleurets to a 'local restaurant operator'.

The Grade I listed property was built in 1693 but destroyed by fire in June 2012. It was rebuilt under the guidance of English Heritage.

Most recently it was operating as a Bourgee restaurant, but closed last spring less than a year after opening.

It was a Strada restaurant before the fire and in previous years had been a restaurant and pub.

Historically, the property has reputedly been linked to English author Daniel Defoe, who is reported to have visited Bury in 1704, having just served a prison sentence for the publication of Shortest Way with the Dissenters.

Gareth Hatton, of Fleurets, said: “The letting of such a significant building demonstrates there is still an appetite for independent operators looking to take on exciting new opportunities. I feel that the town will greatly benefit from such a restaurant.”