Man with neon sign above his door accused of running Japanese restaurant during lockdown

Lockdown life has sparked creativity across the country.

From baking banana bread, to DIY haircuts, Britain has been finding a way to adapt.

But when one man apparently decided to turn his seven-bedroom Norfolk home into a Japanese takeaway restaurant, local officials were not impressed.

On a quiet, tree-lined road just west of Norwich the name “Orlando’s” lights up each night, thanks to a giant sign above the front door.

Its owner, Orlando Williams, has been accused of offering locals takeaway food, alcohol, and the option to eat inside the residential property.

A text sent out to potential customers showed a menu featuring Pari-Pari chicken for £10, Miso soup at £2, and bottles of red and white wine for £14 each.

But yesterday, it emerged that Mr Williams does not have a licence to sell takeaway food. He does not have a licence to serve alcohol. And he doesn’t have a licence for the giant sign bearing his name.

The 73-year-old previously ran a Japanese restaurant called Sakura Yakiniku in Norwich city centre, but it closed in 2015.

Last year, Mr Williams denied he had opened a new premises in his home, despite leafleting neighbours and installing a bar and seating area for 24 people.

Officials reportedly took no enforcement action at the time as they found no "definitive evidence" that the property was operating as a restaurant.

Now, after an undercover sting by the local newspaper, Mr Williams is facing a new investigation by Norfolk City Council and Trading Standards, having been accused of not only breaking lockdown rules, but also the law.

Ruth Lawes, a journalist at the Eastern Daily Press, visited the property after she said she received a text message with a list of food and drink available, and the option to eat in or take away.

The council has previously approved an application for the property to be used as a bed and breakfast, but such approval does not allow the business to serve alcohol or operate as a restaurant.

“Most restaurants do not send you round the back to collect food,” said Ms Lawes.

“They also do not tend to run from a seven-bedroom home on a residential street with a large illuminated sign that the owner has been forced to clarify is just his name.

“But, as I discovered after a two-minute phone call and a takeaway a few days later, Orlando’s does.

“I was surprised at how easy it was to order from Mr Williams, who I had anticipated to be cautious after the initial story we broke more than one year ago hit national headlines.

"But after a short calI I was sent a menu by text message and the offer to eat-in when asked for the dining options.

“On collection, Mr Williams was insistent I picked up the food from the back of the house, where I was also handed a separate menu for ‘eat in’ customers and a business card with dinner opening hours.

“We will always support businesses in our city - but are obliged to investigate when we feel the rules are not being adhered to.”

Yesterday, police officers were seen arriving at the property, allegedly responding to a report that Mr Williams had been selling alcohol without a licence. Norfolk Constabulary directed this newspaper's enquiries to the council.

When contacted by the Telegraph, Mr Williams said: “I’m very busy. I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Restaurants are currently not allowed to operate an eat-in service according to lockdown rules, which are not expected to be relaxed until July, and Mr Williams has been warned by officials not to act outside the guidance or the law.

Norfolk City Council told the Telegraph: “Officers have attended today to remind Mr Williams of the permissions he currently has and to follow any relevant advice provided to him.

“Mr Williams does not have permission to serve food other than to future Bed and Breakfast guests. He doesn’t currently have a licence to sell alcohol and the signage on the property is in breach of planning rules. We are continuing to work with Mr Williams and we’ve made the position clear about what he can and can’t do. We are seeking legal advice on next steps.”