PUBS company Admiral Taverns, which owns the White Hart pub in Grays says it plans to reopen its doors in the future.

There has been speculation about what will happen to the grade-II listed building following the decision of licensees Benice and Chris Ryley to close its doors in the wake of recent controversy about the display of golly dolls behind the bar.

Mr and Mrs Ryley are to retire to their home in Turkey, though Mr Ryley does have to attend a police interview later this month in connection with the seizure of the dolls by Essex police officers investigating a race hate complaint.

Police interest in the dolls' display was first sparked in 2018 when there were also complaints but at the time neither the force, nor Thurrock Council, could find any breach of rules or licencing legislation.

However, in the light of recent publicity, police have confirmed they are investigating a previous Facebook post by Mr Ryley in which he uploaded a picture of golly dolls hanging from his bar with the comment "We have our golliwogs, yaay." Commenting on the post his wife, asked: "Are you sure this is legal. lol."

The landlord replied: "They used to hang them in Mississippi years ago."

The force has now confirmed detectives conducting the investigation are aware of Mr Ryley's Facebook posts and they will be discussed during the forthcoming interview.

The couple have accrued abuse and support in almost equal measure over the controversy, being condemned by some as racists and championed by others as supporters of history and tradition.

The couple's stance cut little ice with a number of suppliers who withdrew their products in the wake of the controversy.

One was brewing giant Heineken UK, whose spokesperson said: "After being made aware of the abhorrent display feature in the White Hart Inn, we advised the pub owners that we want nothing more to do with them.

"They go against everything we stand for.

"We believe pubs should be places of inclusivity and respect for all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion or gender."

The duo were also criticised heavily by the leader of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which had previously through its local membership honoured them with awards.

Camra national chairman Nik Antona said: "We believe pubs are for everyone - there is never a place for discrimination."

Admiral Taverns, the company which owns the pub building, said: "The licensees have made us aware of their decision to leave the pub.

"We will be looking to reopen the pub under the management of new licensees."