IN 1843, the Rosebud, in Hurst Green, Brightlingsea, was a beerhouse whose main trade was oystermen quenching thirsts after a hard day’s work.

It took its name after the crew of the Rosebud, and their cat, were saved in a heroic rescue.

In renovations, the cat’s tail was found in a glass bottle in the chimney breast. It is now behind the bar, offering good luck for a donation to charity.

But history and legend alone would not allow the pub to survive. It has become a magnet for foodies since owner Mark Hanrahan brought in top London chef Mat Lucania.

Mr Hanrahan’s parents, Kay and Jim, ran the pub from 1994 until three years ago, when he took over.

He was at the point of closing it down after several tenants failed to make a go of it, but had one last shot himself.

He said: “I put in a new kitchen and beer garden, did a complete makeover and found Mat, who had worked in top restaurants.

“We want to make this the most famous pub in Essex.

“We are bringing gourmet to Tendring.”

The Red Lion, in Halstead, has been open and shut four times in the last three years.

Its new landlady of six weeks believes she has the winning formula to make it a thrive.

Mum-of-two Maria McKenna is keen to make her New Street pub a place for all ages.

She does face painting for children, holds karaoke nights, pool competitions, music events and even psychic evenings.

Ms McKenna, 34, who is a make-up artist by trade, said: “The Red Lion used to be very old fashioned. It needed modernisation.

“You need to be open to customers of all ages.

“We have had a really positive response from customers, especially families and women.”

The Hospital Arms, in Colchester’s Crouch Street, has used scotch eggs and a beach-themed beer garden – a seaside mural and a beach hut smoking shelter – to stand out from the crowd.

Ros Puffett, who runs the pub with her sister Lindsey Heward, said the quality of what comes over the bar is the key.

She said: “We focus on keeping our beer in the best condition and serving the best quality food we can.

“Beyond that, it’s just hard work, making everybody welcome and offering good value and service.”

The pub’s speciality is scotch eggs, individually prepared in the kitchen.

Ros said: “They’re our bar manager’s secret recipe and are quite famous in the town. He’s even perfected a vegetarian version, which is just as delicious.”

The pub won a best merchandising award last year from owners Adnams for its seaside-themed garden, inspired by high-class resort Southwold, where the brewery is based.