The Jolly Millers pub has been given a re-birth by its two new joint landladies – both midwives.

Tracey Phayer and Esther Gorman have taken over the venue in Mayplace Road West, Bexleyheath, which is part of the Brakespear pub chain.

The business has been totally refurbished to provide a bright and airy feel, providing regular entertainment nights, BT Sports and a tasty food offering.

Both key workers during the pandemic, Tracy and Esther dreamt of running their own pub and leapt at the chance when the Jolly Miller became available.

Tracey said: "It's my own local and I used to come here and sadly saw it going downhill, and thought: I could do better than that.

"Now thanks to the valuable support of our partners, Colin and Pete, we have been able to achieve our lifetime ambition."

The couple have spent £50,000 of their own money totally redecorating and refurbishing the pub, which also has replacement windows and new bi-folding doors, and a new exterior colour.

Tracey said: "It's going really well, better then we expected to be honest."

By shuffling bar duties between themselves and their partners, the pair have both been able to continue with their jobs at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich.

Tracey added: "I've never run a bar before but I've had aunts and uncles in the family who have, and Esther's father used to run nightclubs in the West End, so we have both been around the trade for a long time.

"We can’t wait to give a warm welcome to everyone that comes through the doors.

"We have so many ideas we want to implement and have already started running many of these past our regulars to gauge support.

"We are child and dog friendly and also have a secluded, safe garden which will be perfect as we head towards the summer.”

Stuart Brown, Brakspear's business development manager, said: "We’re proud to reopen the new-look Jolly Millers. It’s much-loved within the community, and the refurbishment has really given it a new lease of life.

"The pub looks fantastic and truly is a space for all to enjoy."