THE makeover of a popular pub has continued with the transformation of its upstairs rooms.

The bar at the Railway Hotel, Clifftown Road, Southend, got a facelift earlier this year, with original fittings and fixtures returned to their former glory after London pub chain Barworks bought into the historic venue last Christmas.

Now, the upstairs rooms of the Victorian pub have been transformed into an open and airy performance space, complete with stage, and there are plans to turn the top floor of the building into a boutique hotel and the cellars into a recording studio.

Co-owner Dave Dulake said: “The upstairs rooms are going to be a great space for local art, drama and music as well as projects from further afield.”