Up to 70 jobs will be created when a prominent pub reopens next year as a Harvester restaurant after a major revamp.

Work has already begun on the Crown Hotel, High Road, Langdon Hills, which used to be a Big Steak pub.

A total of £760,000 will be pumped into the building to turn it into a Harvester eatery similar to the restaurant at Five Bells, Vange.

Recruitment has yet to start but the jobs will include full and part-time positionss.

Ian Humphries, lined up by Harvester to become the restaurant's new manager, said the work was expected to finish towards the end of March.

He added: "There will be seating for up 150 guests. There is no booking system and diners simply turn up and enjoy their meal.

"We will also be flame-grilling, spit-roasting and home-smoking our own meat and poultry."

For more information about the Harvester jobs ring 020 8426 4703.

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