A PACKED crowd joined in the celebrations as Colchester’s newest pub officially opened.

Occassional visitors may not notice much of a difference - except for the sign - as O’Neills, on North Hill, became Pat Molloy’s, but for anyone who has regularly enjoyed a pint in the pub there have been substantial changes.

In particular the venue is offering more live music and has “brought cask ales back to the High Street” according to the Adnams brewery’s business development manager, Nigel Chubb, who is delighted.

The opening night featured Colchester band Stiff in the Morning and manager Adam Wyatt was very pleased with how well it went yesterday.He said: “I was very nervous as this is my first opening but am confident it will be a success.

“I want everyone to come in and enjoy the food, drink and relaxed atmosphere. We will be offering an experience which goes the extra mile.”

Lucy Hopkins, a regular pubgoer who has witnessed the change, added: “It seems to have worked and this will become somewhere very good for everyone to go rather than just a place for regulars.

“In Colchester quite a lot of the pubs target the teenagers but this pub has something for everyone.”