EXCITEMENT is buzzing around a new bar set to open in Hamlet Court Road, on the site of where the The Foundry and Clouseau’s used to be.

The Craftsman will be a new music hub in Westcliff selling craft beer and premium lagers.

The new venue, which has been undergoing building works for some months, is set to open its doors at midday on Friday October 21, celebrating with a party led by the Middle Age Spread DJs.

Proprietor James Lawrence, who also runs the Lamb and Lion in Station Road as well as the Moonraker club underneath it, said The Craftsman is also going to sell quality food.

He added: “We are going to be a music-based late night bar, also showing football and so forth.

“For our opening we have a weekend of music planned.

“The Friday will see the Middle Age Spread DJs playing tunes across the board.

“On Saturday we are going to have the ‘rocksteady ruler’ the world renowned Asher G play some authentic reggae from his library of Jamaican music.”

The pub is still having building work finished off, with the signage on the outside planning to go up shortly before the opening.

Talking about the building works involved, James said: “We have faced all the challenges one would expect and it’s been jolly hard work, but well worth it in the end.

“We love and welcome everyone – all races, nationalities, ages, colours and creeds. All we ask is people come wearing a smile.

“I would like to take the time to thank my team for all their hard work, in particular Mel Berry, Neil Tomlinson and Matt Dixon Moore for their unyielding efforts through the build project on the bar.

“I look forward to welcoming customers old and new to the new establishment and hope they will frequent the new pub for years to come.”