A NEW street food and craft beer pub is celebrating a “whirlwind” opening as the business moves from strength to strength.

The Legra Tap and Kitchen in London Road, Leigh, opened on June 2 to great excitement in the community.

A joint venture by the Leigh on Sea Brewing Company and Black Circus Food, the project saw The Harry reinvented into a modern pub, serving local and independent beers, plus street market food on offer from the kitchen.

Gabby Ridings, who founded the Sea Brewing Company with husband Ian in 2017, says the team worked “flat out” to ensure the pub could open in time for the Jubilee weekend.

“We have had phenomenal whirlwind opening month,” she said.

“It has been full ever since we opened the doors to the public. We couldn’t have asked for a better opening and we haven’t stopped since!

The pub now boasts 27 full-time and part-time staff and has become a favourite for many in the community.

“We are overwhelmed by the positive feedback we have had from people,” Ms Ridings said.

“The most common comment we get from people is that they are pleased to finally have a ‘local’ again.

“Lots of our customers are coming in almost daily which is great to see and we hope proves we are serving a purpose for the community here, giving them a place to congregate in their free time.”

Rather than the traditional pub grub, customers can choose from a selection of modern street food such as nachos and burgers cooked by the team at Black Circus Food, co-owned by Benfleet-based Keir Black, 30, and Westcliff resident Luke Circus, 31.

“The guys have been fantastic; their food is a massive hit with everyone and has gone down a storm,” Ms Ridings continued.

“Their biggest selling point has been the constantly adapting menu; there is always new street food for people try."

She added: “We are pleased with how people have responded and we are going to keep true to what we are doing, serving craft beer and interesting food. We are not going to be serving Heineken any time soon!”