AN historic pub in the centre of a south Essex town is set to transformed and re-opened after its year-long closure thanks to a £244,000 investment.
New operator Caroline Hunt, from Stanford-le-Hope, is set to take the helm as the "sad and dilapidated" Grade II listed pub will be transformed in time for the Euros.
Heineken-owned Star Pubs is undertaking the major refurbishment of The Crown and Anchor, in Aveley High Street, repainting the watering hole dating back to the fifteenth century, and adding new signage and lighting, enhancing the middle of the town.
An overgrown garden at the rear will be revamped with new planting and seating for 50 customers. The new beer garden will be partially covered, enabling it to be enjoyed year-round with giant games to provide entertainment for children.
A complete internal makeover will also upgrade The Crown and Anchor throughout, restoring and retaining features such as timber floors, exposed brickwork and a working log burner. In keeping with The Crown and Anchor’s heritage, pictures of the pub and Aveley over the years will adorn the walls.
Caroline is aiming to make the pub “a hub of the community” with pool and darts teams, a myriad of activities ranging from coffee mornings for senior citizens to live music and family fun days, and even a book group on the cards.
The pub will also have a book corner and board games for customers of all ages.
It also hopes to provide a place for residents to gather together to watch major sports tournaments, and Caroline will be kicking this off by “going big on the Euros”.
She said: “The Crown and Anchor is sad and dilapidated now but will look amazing after the refurbishment. I want to bring it back to life and give the village a friendly pub that has something for everyone.
“There’s lots of interest and excitement, people can’t wait for The Crown and Anchor to re-open again.”
Work starts on Monday, March 18, with The Crown and Anchor scheduled to re-open in early May, creating five new jobs.
In terms of facilities, The Crown and Anchor will have a main bar, serving an extensive selection of beers, wines, spirits and even cocktails, as well as soft and hot drinks, a comfortable carpeted lounge and a games room kitted out with a new pool table, darts and a high-spec AV system showing TNT and Sky Sports.
Star Pubs investment manager, Matt Cornwell, says: “We’re delighted to be investing in reopening such a prominent pub. The Crown and Anchor is getting the works; it will be a dramatic transformation.
“Caroline’s plans are really exciting and are just what’s needed to revive The Crown and Anchor as a fantastic local with broad appeal. We’re working flat out to reopen in time for the warmer weather and the Euros."
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