Six new jobs have been created already with more likely over the coming weeks as Runwell pub The Quart Pot re-opens following a £150,000 refurbishment. The pub, on Runwell Road, near Wickford, which is owned and operated by award winning pub company, Stonegate Pub Company, has temporarily closed to make way for designers and builders to work their magic, and is set to re-open with a celebratory VIP reception on Thursday 16th May.

A top to toe makeover is currently underway at the pub with the layout changing to give it a lighter, brighter and more open plan feel. A larger dining space is being created whilst over at the bar a further three cask ale pumps are being installed. “We already serve a selection of cask ales that are so popular with our customers that we have decided to extend it. Once we re-open, our customers will be able to enjoy any day of the week a choice of four national ales, three locally sourced ones and a handpull cider too”, said general manager David Bennett.

The pub will swing open its doors to local residents and businesses on Thursday 16th May for a complimentary lunch and an exclusive peek at the new look Quart Pot. From 5pm a champagne and canapé reception will formally celebrate the pub’s re-launch to which all are welcome. Three piece mockney pop band ‘The Watling Street Band’ will be a performing an eclectic mix of music with its unique tuba, banjo and drum sound.

General Manager David Bennett and his team are expecting a busy weekend at the pub with local couple Lynsey Skeggs and Christopher Mowforth hiring the sparkling new pub on Friday 17th May for their wedding reception. “We are so looking forward to our customers seeing the new look Quart Pot and what a fantastic way to celebrate it re-opening with a wedding of two of our special regulars”, commented David. “We have a large garden and now the weather is brightening up we’ve been busy getting lots of fun giant garden games such as jenga, connect four and a huge children’s blackboard to fill it. We already have a pétanque court which many of our customers enjoy and throughout the opening weekend we’ll have a bouncy castle too.”

The Quart Pot recently launched its Spring Summer menu packed with mouth-watering new dishes such as a charcuterie board, an ideal sharing starter or platter to enjoy over a bottle of wine, a king prawn, bacon and asparagus risotto and several delicious new superfood salads – a healthy option too at under 500 calories.