AN opening date has been revealed for a pub which has been revived almost a decade after shutting its doors.

Publican Piers Baker said he was “proud, grateful and a little nervous” after announcing a £1million investment is being made into The White Hart Inn, Mersea Island.

Mr Baker, who owns Church Street Tavern, Colchester, and The Sun Inn, Dedham, has now revealed the boozer will open its doors for the first time since 2013 on June 15.

His ambitious plans have breathed new life into the High Street premises which will boast a pub, restaurant and rooms for overnight stays.

The site has benefitted from major refurbishment works and a partial rebuild so visitors can enjoy the eye-catching venue just minutes from the seafront.

Gazette: Luxurious - the venue's interiorLuxurious - the venue's interior

Proud publican Mr Baker also announced Eliot Craven will be joining the venue as head chef, having previously held the role of sous chef at Church Street Tavern.

The front of house team will be led by Jack Tuck, who has been a manager at The Sun Inn since 2019.

A statement released by the pub reads: “The White Hart Inn will be somewhere for a casual pint, relaxed lunch or a special dinner with delicious food.

“The regularly changing menu will be a mix of casual bar food along with a restaurant menu using the best local ingredients.”

Gazette: Revamp - the venue's exteriorRevamp - the venue's exterior

A first look provided to the Gazette shows there will be a bar and dining room with a vaulted ceiling and open kitchen, a lounge with an open fire and outdoor seating in the terraced garden.

There will be six individually designed ensuite double bedrooms with some boasting sea views.

Speaking at the time of announcing his plans, Mr Baker said: “If someone told me back in March 2020 I’d be opening a new, third venture in spring 2022, I would never have believed them.

“Mersea Island is a special place and I feel proud, grateful, and a little nervous, to be opening there.”