AN Aveley pub is set to reopen after a more than a year thanks to a £244,000 investment.

The refurbishment of the historic Crown & Anchor on Aveley High Street, which closed in April 2023, will transform it into a top quality family-friendly local specialising in sports and entertainment.

It is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and will see Stanford-le-Hope resident Caroline Hunt take the helm as the new operator.

It's the second major investment in the area by Star pubs, which recently supported the refurbishment of the Kings Arms in Orsett.

Work at the Crown and Anchor will start on Monday, 18 March, and the pub is scheduled to reopen in early May, creating five new jobs.

How the pub will look after refurbishment.

The project will renovate the outside of the Grade-ll listed building – which dates back to the fifteenth century – repainting it and adding new signage and lighting, enhancing the middle of Aveley.

An overgrown garden at the rear will be revamped with new planting and seating for 50 customers. The garden will be partially covered, enabling it to be enjoyed year-round. Giant games will provide entertainment for children.

A complete internal makeover will upgrade The Crown & Anchor throughout. Designers say the 'warm, welcoming décor will keep the pub's cosy traditional feel', restoring and retaining features such as timber floors, exposed brickwork and a working log burner.

In keeping with The Crown & Anchor's heritage, pictures of the pub and Aveley over the years will adorn the walls.

In terms of facilities, The Crown & Anchor will have a main bar, a comfortable carpeted lounge and a games room and a high-spec AV system showing TNT and Sky Sports.

The refurbishment will also include an overhaul if the cellar. pints.

Other changes include redecorating the toilets and a full package of energy efficiency measures to boost the pub's sustainability.

Caroline is aiming to make The Crown & Anchor "a hub of the community, where people feel comfortable coming on their own or with friends".

To that end she is planning a myriad of activities, ranging from coffee mornings for senior citizens and a quiz night to live music and family fun days. Special events for Easter and Christmas, fundraisers for local charities and even a book group are on the cards. The pub will also have a book corner and board games for customers of all ages.

Reflecting The Crown & Anchor's sports focus, Caroline is keen to start up pool and darts teams and to hear from anyone who would like to join.

The pub will 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".

Caroline said: "The Crown & 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 locally; people can't wait for The Crown & Anchor to reopen again."

Star Pubs' investment manager Matt Cornwell added: "We're delighted to be investing in reopening such a prominent pub. The Crown & 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 & Anchor as a fantastic local with broad appeal. We're working flat out to reopen in time for the warmer weather and the Euros."