A THURROCK pub has reopened its doors with new licensees, a new look and a promise of lots of new things to come.

During lockdown it was announced that the previous licensees of the New Courthouse in Stanford-le-Hope would not be returning and the pub remained closed as others in the region opened.

But owners Enterprise Inns have struck a deal with licencees Craig Price and Sally Burton and the couple opened for business on Monday (3 August) evening.

Chef Craig is planning a new menu for the pub's restaurant, renamed 80 Days, in honour of its signature dish – an 80 days aged steak supplied locally from Stanford-le-Hope butcher PrimeCut. In fact the vast majority of the produce used in the new restaurant will be sourced locally – with vegetables and salads coming from Sunny Fruits in Corringham.

Craig, who worked recently as chef at nearby Gino's Taverna explained his and Sally's vision for the new venture: "We returned to the UK a couple of years ago after living and working in the South of France and we have had an eye on this place for some time. It's the perfect venue for us and we were delighted when Enterprise got in touch.

"We have run pubs in other areas in the past and have the experience to make this a really popular venue for the local community. We want it to be a place where families come and feel welcome – we will be having a hog roast and inflatables in the garden this coming weekend for example.

"The pub area has had a makeover and we hope to open the restaurant, which has also undergone some changes, in a couple of weeks.

"The menu will feature small tapas, small high end dishes with steaks and paella a speciality. It will be flavours from around the world."

Sally added: "We have met with a local artist who is going to put works on the walls of the restaurant but we would welcome other local artists to come and do the same. We want this to be a focal point."

As well as the service in pub, Craig and Sally will also shortly be launching their Sausage Fest van – taking a range of German Sausages and other foods including pizza to local venues and events.

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