CUSTOMERS have lavished praise on a beloved south Essex pub as it shut for an extensive “six-figure” refurbishment.

The historic Hoy and Helmet pub, on Benfleet High Street, will be closed until “late March” as a major renovation continues inside and outside the Grade II-listed building.

Echo: Scaffolding has been in place for three weeks as exterior works continue.Scaffolding has been in place for three weeks as exterior works continue. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Barman Miguel Balina-Hall has worked at the pub for two years.

He said: “I love the customers and staff here, we’re like a family. I’ve got to know them well.”

Miguel is “excited” about the pub’s renovation.

He added: “We’re getting an outdoor bar, new toilets, and a massive new TV which will be great for the Euros. We’ll also have a covered area with heated booths so people can enjoy it all year round.”

Echo: Barman Miguel has been pulling pints for two years.Barman Miguel has been pulling pints for two years. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Benfleet High Road resident Peter, 55, describes the pub as “probably the best in the area”.

He added: “Its closure does beg the question, ‘where will we go?’”

The feeling is echoed by Benfleet businessman Dean Chandler, who said: “It’s a good, friendly bunch of people.”

Echo: Peter, Joe and Libby say they will miss the pub when it temporarily shuts.Peter, Joe and Libby say they will miss the pub when it temporarily shuts. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

While Dean, 58, is disappointed the pub will be shut for a month, he admits it needs some refurbishment.

He said: “The issue is there’s quite a small bar but there’s not much they can do to make it bigger as it’s a listed building.

“An outdoor bar would be brilliant. With the Euros coming up in the summer, it’s going to be amazing.

“It’s a great pub already, so it’s just going to get better.”

Echo: Dean is a keen supporter of the pub.Dean is a keen supporter of the pub. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Dean has a special relationship with the pub, partly because it is where his daughter Ciara met her fiance.

Former barmaid Ciara, 28, said: “There’s always a good atmosphere here. It’s comfy and has a friendly feel to it. It’s everything a local needs to be.”

Dad Dean also co-sponsors South Benfleet United with the Hoy and Helmet after striking up a relationship with some of the players at the pub.

Echo: The bar is often busy, so an outdoor bar is planned to offer customers an alternative.The bar is often busy, so an outdoor bar is planned to offer customers an alternative. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Another person who is sad to see the pub close temporarily is barman Julian Hill.

He said: “I’m going to miss the friendly atmosphere with the staff and regulars.

“But I’m excited about what’s coming next.”

Echo: Darren Forder, Aaron Bentham, Ryan Forder and brother Freddie regularly visit to watch the football on TV.Darren Forder, Aaron Bentham, Ryan Forder and brother Freddie regularly visit to watch the football on TV. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Darren Forder, 53, has enjoyed watching football at the pub with his sons for 20 years.

He said: “It’s always welcoming, the staff are really good, and they do decent grub.

“It’s so popular that you sometimes struggle to get in, so an outdoor bar would be fantastic.”

Pal Aaron Bentham, 40, added: “It’s got a lot of character.”