NEW life is being breathed into a 150-year-old pub after it stood empty for six months, as its new landlord vows to give it “a fresh start”.

The Woodmans Arms in Rayleigh Road, Thundersley, re-opened on Good Friday, just three weeks after the keys to the Stars Pubs and Bars venue were handed to its new operator, Mo Miah.

Mo, 43, has lived in Thundersley his whole life, and has spent the last two decades working in the hospitality industry.

Echo: Experienced hands - Mo has worked in the hospitality industry for two decades.Experienced hands - Mo has worked in the hospitality industry for two decades. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Since re-opening, Mo says the “vast majority” of feedback from residents and punters has been “really good”, as regulars begin to return.

He added: “I’ve scrubbed every inch of this pub, after it stood gathering dust for six months.

“I want to put the past behind us and make a fresh start. It’s a new challenge for me, and I’m looking forward to the future.

“We passed a major hurdle in getting the place open, and we’re seeing the regulars come back.”

Echo: Returning regulars – Libby Topp with Josh, Ricky and Tracey Golding.Returning regulars – Libby Topp with Josh, Ricky and Tracey Golding. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Despite working in the hospitality industry, Mo says he did not get the chance to visit the Woodmans often under its previous management - who bowed out in October via an announcement on Facebook.

However, he said: “When I did come more regularly about 15 years ago, it was a place everybody wanted to visit. It had a good food and drinks offering, and it was run by people who seemed to know what they were doing.

“I know what this pub means to the area, the locals and the community.”

Echo: Grand opening - Mo says the pub has met a positive reaction from former regulars, as they return.Grand opening - Mo says the pub has met a positive reaction from former regulars, as they return. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Within the next fortnight, Mo plans to have the kitchen reopen with a whole new menu.

He said: “My main focus at the moment is our food offering. I’m planning a vastly fresh food menu with the odd special, including curries. We’ll also have smash burgers and lots of pub classics.”

Echo: A lick of paint - the outside of the pub has been redecorated, with new signs added.A lick of paint - the outside of the pub has been redecorated, with new signs added. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Mo describes reopening the Woodmans as “a healthy challenge”.

He added: “We had three weeks to get on top of a lot, especially as the pub was closed for so long.

“But I have a long history of working in pubs. I feel a devotion to the hospitality trade is vital to making somewhere like this a success.”