A popular Grade II listed south Essex pub is set to be closed for a £450,000 transformation.
The project at Ye Olde Green Dragon in Shenfield is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars and Brentwood born-and-bred licensee Karen Harris.
Karen, who also runs The Robin in Brentwood, has worked in pubs in the area for the past 30 years and took over Ye Olde Green Dragon in 2019.
The pub will be renamed The Green Dragon to mark its restoration and new direction.
The scheme will restore and paint the outside of the historic building, accentuating its character and architectural details.
A "stunning" 125-seater garden - planted in a Mediterranean style and lit up at night - will wrap around the pub and accommodate 90 people under cover in seven gazebos.
A new wall at the front of the pub will enclose the space with the aim to keep visiting children safe and prevent regular flooding of the building.
The refurbishment will also completely upgrade the inside of The Green Dragon.
The new design will incorporate heritage colours and fabrics in keeping with the building and features such as wood paneling, old beams and parquet flooring will be renovated.
Its fireplace will also brought back into use with the installation of a log burner.
A traditional bar with a games area will be kitted out with screens for showing sports, a pool table and darts, as well as a spacious lounge with soft seating and booths.
Each area will have its own bar, so the pub can cater for different groups and occasions at the same time.
Other changes will include revamping the toilets, refitting the kitchen and overhauling the cellar with state-of-the-art-dispense equipment.
The new menu will focus on pub classics, such as burgers, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts and the accompanying extensive drinks selection will span cask ales, cocktails and coffee.
Karen has made many improvements since taking over The Green Dragon, doubling the number of customers and attracting people who had never been in before.
Her aim is to make it a “hub of the community with something for everyone”.
To that end, the pub will run events ranging from music and quiz nights to coffee mornings to bring residents together, and Karen will offer meeting space to organisations and good causes in the area.
Karen already sponsors Shenfield Football Club and is keen to hear from anyone interested in starting pool and darts teams at the pub.
Karen says: “I can’t thank residents enough for their backing. They’ve got behind everything we’ve done and are really supportive of the plans.
“The Green Dragon is a gorgeous old building and a landmark of Shenfield, but it’s tired and dated.
“The investment will give it the TLC it needs and turn into a premium pub that the whole community can enjoy, whether they’re after a morning coffee, a family lunch or a great night out.”
Steve Charlton, Star Pubs and Bars’ area manager, added: “Karen is well known in Shenfield and Brentwood and understands just what people want. She has done a tremendous job and given The Green Dragon a new lease of life despite all the challenges of the pandemic.
“This investment will build on her hard work and take The Green Dragon to the next level as a superb pub with a fantastic garden that really adds to the area. We wish Karen all the best.”
Work starts on October 3 and The Green Dragon is scheduled to reopen in mid November. The pub will close after last orders on October 1.
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