A PUB is set to be transformed with a £250,000 refurbishment which will create 20 new jobs.

The Townhouse, in Queen’s Road, Southend, will close on August 3 for a month-long revamp to transform it into a bar and restaurant.

Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars and new licensee, Greg Weller, are hoping to return the venue to its former glory days when it was known as the Aristocrat.

It is scheduled to reopen by early September and will be 27- year-old Mr Weller’s’ first venue since starting in the industry as a bottle washer at the age of 16.

He said: “Southend is really getting a name for its bars and restaurants and it will be great to be part of that and to bring something different to the area.

The Townhouse is in a prominent building and has masses of potential.

“It’s got the investment now and I’ll certainly be giving it plenty of TLC. I want the Townhouse to be an asset to Southend, a place which the community can be proud of and where all feel welcome.”

The outside of the pub will be carefully renovated and tastefully repainted to make it an attractive feature of the area, while inside work will include stripping the interior and completely refurbishing it with a clean, urban look. A new bar and kitchen and creating a dining area will enable the Townhouse to serve food.

Mr Weller said the new Townhouse was also aiming to cater for the whole community, from shoppers and business people to students by offering breakfast and coffees from a varied menu.

The new bar will need a range of full and part-time bar, kitchen and management staff.

Chris Jowsey, Star Pubs and Bars trading director, said: “We’re delighted that such a dynamic, enthusiastic and experienced young licensee as Greg is going to be taking over the Townhouse.

“Heineken is a passionate supporter of the great British pub and has invested in bars and pubs like the Townhouse to help them deliver excellent quality, attract customers and thrive at the heart of their communities for years to come.”