A POPULAR gastro pub is moving closer to a full re-opening, with a soft launch planned for this evening.

The Hare and Hounds pub, in Layer Breton, Colchester, closed in January and was subsequently closed for a complete refit the following month.

Earlier this month, new pub landlords James Brown and Kieran McClure said they looked forward to reopening what they described as a community pub.

And a social media post on Tuesday announced drinks are set to be served as part of a soft launch taking place tonight.

Gazette:

Much of the pub’s interior has been replaced ahead of a full launch expected to take place next month, though an exact date has not yet been set.

A social media post read: “Things are starting to shape up nicely. Looking good for opening for drinks on Thursday evening food to open the following week.”

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The pub was was previously run by Kerry and Mark King before being taken over by the watering hole's new bosses James and Kieran.

Speaking previously, Mr Brown, 49, said: “All the food will be locally sourced, and so will the beer – it’s about reopening a good quality pub.

“The main thing I want to get is re-establishing the food and the restaurant, then over time we want to develop what’s going on with campsite.

“I’m really excited about it being a community pub.”