TWO pubs are closing for revamps and will start the new year with a smart new look.

The Half Way House, in Eastern Esplanade, Southend, has already closed for refurbishment and will reopen in early December as a Toby Carvery.

The Rose Inn, in Wakering Road, Great Wakering, is also undergoing a £365,000 transformation.

The pub will close temporarily on Monday, November 17 to begin an extensive refurbishment, after which it will reopen on Saturday, November 29.

As part of the investment, the pub, which is owned by Spirit Pub Company, will receive a complete makeover, with trendy new decor with new furniture and contemporary fixtures.

The bar will be completely revamped, as will the menu. A specials menu will change on a regular basis and offer dishes including chicken and white wine pie, tomato and mascarpone risotto and hand-battered cod fillet and chips.

General manager Malcolm Scott said: “We’re hugely excited to be undergoing such an impressive transformation. The Rose Inn is a big part of the local community, so we’re pleased to be able to offer even better surroundings and a great new menu to our loyal guests and new guests alike.”

New staff will be needed, including people to work behind the scenes in the kitchen.

Mr Scott added: “I am on the look-out for dynamic, hard-working individuals who want to be part of the team here at the Rose Inn.”

The Half Way House has already closed for refurbishment.

A spokesman said: “Toby Carvery are famous for their high quality carvery meals “The carvery restaurant will open seven days a week and will offer family-sized feasts of four roast carvery joints freshly cooked every day alongside eight types of seasonal veg including roasties and all the trimmings.”