Work is underway on the £275,000 refurbishment of the Blue Lion pub in Chelmsford by national pub operator, Punch.
Located on Tabors Hill in Great Baddow, The Blue Lion will reopen on Thursday 16 February with a new look, new publican and new menu.
The significant investment includes altering the pub’s layout from a two-room venue into one open-plan area creating more space for customers to relax, dine and socialise. In addition, the Blue Lion is to be redecorated throughout, furniture, fixtures and fittings will be changed and the ladies and gents’ facilities refreshed. The kitchen equipment will be replaced and upgraded to serve a great new menu.
Outside, the pub is to get modern signage and lighting and the beer garden is to be transformed into an attractive alfresco space to enjoy food, drinks and watch TV. Improvements will include outdoor heaters, a smoking shelter, planters and comfortable furniture.
One person looking forward to showing off the new-look Blue Lion is experienced publican, Sally Smith, who is moving from Southend to take over the helm. She said: “This is an exciting time for the Blue Lion and I’m thrilled to be taking over and looking forward to getting to know the regulars and becoming part of the local community. The pub is already a popular community pub and I want to build on that by making it the most vibrant and welcoming venue locally for all the family to enjoy a coffee, a drink or meal. I plan to host lots of events during the year and make the most of the outdoor space, especially during the warmer months. I can’t wait to get the doors open on 16 February and get on with my new challenge.”
Customers can look forward to a regular programme of entertainment including Bar Billiards and darts, bingo and quiz nights, comedy acts, live music and karaoke. The extended food menu will offer all the favourite pub classics and tasty Sunday roast with plenty of food and drink offers throughout the week including; a Cask Ale Club (Monday-Thursday), Burger and free pint on Mondays, Wednesday curry night, Fish Fryday and Friday night Fizz offers.
Commenting on the investment, Punch senior openings manager, Craig Taylor, said: “The Blue Lion is located in a busy location and is popular with visitors to the town and locals alike. The refurbishment and the introduction of a great new menu will give Sally the opportunity to broaden the pub’s appeal to families and locals looking for a relaxed place to enjoy a meal and socialise without breaking the bank. Sally is full of enthusiasm and I’m confident that she will be welcomed by the regulars and make the Blue Lion a ‘roaring’ success.”