MORE than 100 customers rushed through the doors of south Essex's new £2.75million Wetherspoon pub this morning.
The long-awaited Sigered, King of Essex, opened in Basildon town centre to the delight of a sea of customers eager to claim a table and place their orders.
The team of more than 60 staff have been preparing for the opening for weeks, running rigorous training exercises to ensure efficient service for when the public arrive.
Gabby Alefounder, pub manager, said: "It's stressful, but we're open - we've had so many customers in already and everything is running smoothly.
"Seeing how excited Basildon is for us to welcome them in makes me committed to rising to the challenge of running this pub."
Once the doors opened, an initial queue of around 20 was swiftly followed by waves of customers pouring in the pub, buzzing with excitement.
Paul Barker, 56, resident, said: "It looks absolutely lovely, and that skylight was a great idea to make it feel bright and well lit inside - the tapestry design is a great touch and makes it feel cheerful.
"I'm excited to tuck into a breakfast, word is the food isn't too bad, but it's just great to have somewhere local to drink again."
Read more
- 'Two-door pub' offers fine dining and lively sports bar under one roof in Shoebury
- Traditional Nordic Christmas at south Essex garden centre is 'bigger than ever'
- LOOK INSIDE: Wetherspoon merges heritage and innovation in new Basildon pub
- Meet the team of 60 staff preparing to open new £2.75m Basildon Wetherspoon
Garry Millham, 58, resident, said: "We've been excited for the pub to open given that we used to drink in the Moon [on the Square], but this is worth the wait.
"To be some of the first through the door is fantastic, and I can see myself down here most evenings after work."
Staff were joined by Richard Holden, MP for Basildon and Billericay, who assisted in the cutting of the ribbon outside the venue alongside Gabby Alefounder, pub manager, Martin Dearden, area manager, and other staff.
Richard Holden said: "We’re seeing the town centre having tough times, so seeing this back on the high street is fantastic. Wetherspoons is a proper business and wouldn’t come here unless they could see potential.
"This is a big project for them, and with the existing cinema and town centre shopping, I hope it’ll be an anchor for Basildon's regeneration."
Sigered, King of Essex is now open from 8am to 12pm Sunday-Friday, and open later until 1am on Saturday.
Share