The Lion pub in Earls Colne new owner excited to reopen site

The Lion, in Earls Colne High Street, will reopen later this month and is being turned into a family-run business.

Karen Leach, 56, of East Bergholt, is the new landlady and will be running the Lion with daughter Charlotte, 28, and son Harry, 25, who will be the general manager.

It was announced back in July that the pub was shutting down, with the previous owners citing “challenging circumstances” as a factor.

Family business - Charlotte, Karen and Harry (Image: Hoskyn's) She said: "Our inspiration is that we used to use the pub when it was family-run

"We would like to bring it back to the village as a family-run pub for families and for local people in the area.

“We want to do delicious food at reasonable prices, and make it for everyone.

“We want it to be a community."

Popular - another image of The Lion pub (Image: Google Maps)

Karen and her children have a background in event catering, and own and run award-winning pie company Hoskyn’s Deli, in Maldon.

The family says they are extremely excited about reopening the Lion, despite it being a “huge task” to get ready.

The inside of the historic grade II listed building has been given a makeover, resulting in a pub which is “lighter, brighter and far more comfortable”.

Earls Colne man Ashley Finch will be the new head chef, dishing up a traditional, home-cooked food, including Sunday roasts, fish and chips, steaks, and Hoskyn’s pies.

Karen said: “Our main ethos is we want to use as much local produce as we can to support local farmers and producers.

"We want it to be affordable for everybody, and we want it to be delicious.”

Events such as live music, open mic nights, bingo and more are also on the cards.

The Lion will have a soft launch on September 21.

Bookings for food should be available from September 22.