FIFTEEN new jobs will be created at a restaurant after a major refurbishment, however it will be closed to customers for almost a month.

The Harvester, at the Five Bells in Vange, will be overhauled with bosses welcoming a “substantial investment”.

The work is costing in the region of half a million pound,.

The restaurant in London Road, is due to officially re-open its doors to guests on Thursday June 23 with work starting on Monday May 30.

The new look restaurant will include new indoor furniture and lighting, a new garden bar, refurbishment of toilets and additional seating outside in the grounds of the popular restaurant.

Bosses say following the substantial investment into the restaurant, about 15 new jobs will be created for Basildon and the owners are looking to recruit talented new serving staff and chefs in June.

Simon Bacon, general manager at Harvester Five Bells, said: “We’re so excited to reopen our doors and reveal our brand-new look to the people of Basildon. We can’t wait to welcome guests, old and new, to join us for some great food in all-new surroundings.

“The rest of the team and I of the Five Bells team are really looking forward to the refurbishment and we’re sure that our guests will be really pleased with their new-look Harvester, we’re certainly looking forward to inviting them in.

“We pride ourselves in providing an enjoyable and safe experience for our guests, and along with quality ingredients and flavours we offer great value with our two and three course lunch and evening set menus.”

Harvester bosses say the loved menu will stay the same with favourites such as rotisserie chicken, ribs and the unlimited salad.

Families also welcomed the investment into the longstanding restaurant. Geoff Tilley, 71, of Basildon said: “We love it there and I think it will be as popular as it ever was.

“It’s good to see the added boost to the restaurant and pub and I am pleased they are keeping things fresh and new which is always a good thing to see.”

A spokesman for Harvester said: “Guests can look forward to the restaurant’s extensive menu, which is packed full of family favourites. Dishes from the menu include Harvester’s Signature Rotisserie chicken, slow-cooked glazed ribs and their new skewers glazed in the sauce of your choice, all accompanied by unlimited trips to the much-loved fresh salad bar.”