A village's only pub is closing next week for a major £195,000 refurbishment.

The Railway Tavern in Station Road, Longfield, will be introducing food, including Spanish tapas, and coffee when it reopens in a few weeks.

The site, which is found next to a Shell garage, will be shut from Sunday, October 16, until November 18th, in time for the World Cup.

Eight jobs are going to be created in the revamp, which is being overseen by new licensees Brad and Maria Read who have been running The Cock Inn in Halstead for the past three years.

The duo want to The Railway Tavern to be a place to watch live sports, host music events on the weekend and put on quizzes, as well as setting up a darts team.

The massive cash injection will go towards overhauling the "tired and dated" interior and give it a "smart classic" look with new flooring, panelled walls, lighting, fireplace and furniture.

Included will be a rustic traditional Spanish style tapas bar with wooden and tiled flooring and high bar stools, as well as serving some traditional pub classic like pies and burgers.

Seating at the pub is being increased to 42 with a stretch tent covered area at the site of the pub with patio heaters for alfresco eating and drinking.

Drinks wise, there will be cask ales, craft beer and a premium range of spirits and wines as well as cocktails. There will also be barista style coffee and cakes.

Brad Read said: “We are thrilled to be taking on the Railway Tavern and transforming it into somewhere the whole community can use. We have already been walking around introducing ourselves to local businesses and have been encouraged by the positive feedback about our plans.

"We can’t wait to open the doors and get to know everyone properly. We want to give people reasons to go out and enjoy themselves – whether that’s a drink, a bite to eat or an event. We’re hoping that the changes and the emphasis on weekend entertainment will mean that people can stay local when they go out.”

Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars are helping with the refurbishment.

Area manager Luke Cherrington added: “We’re delighted that Brad & Maria are taking on the Railway Tavern. They’ve done a great job turning around The Cock Inn. Having lived locally for six years, they know the area well and understand what people want.

“The investment is part of £42m that Star Pubs & Bars is investing in revamps this year, reflecting two long-term trends that have been accelerated and amplified by the pandemic.

"People also now want the kind of experience on their doorstep that they’d previously had to travel to enjoy. And that’s what Brad and Maria will be providing – I wish them well.”

The pub previously hit headlines last year after being the victim of an arson attack.

Luckily, no injuries were reported despite there being a number of people inside at the time.