A FORMER bank transformed into the Hamlet Court pub is steeped in history and has even proved popular with famous faces.

The pub, in Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff, dates back to the 1900s and has been public house for almost 30 years - amazingly, the kitchen is located where the bank vault used to be.

General manager Mary Auld has worked at the Hamlet Court for eight years and enjoys the sense of history in the pub.

“Our kitchen is in what was once the vault room, and within the pub there are some old pictures of Westcliff that show the building both from the 1900s and as itis now,” she said.

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Mary has been working in hospitality for many years and learned about the industry from her father.

“I’ve been working in pubs from an early age - my dad ran the pub Smithy’s along the seafront for about 20 years. I used to be in there cleaning shelves and pulling the odd pint when I shouldn’t have,” laughed Mary.

“When I left college I moved to London and started a restaurant, but then I decided I wanted to work in a pub - and the rest is history.

“I enjoy the social side of things and chatting to all the locals, some of whom have quite colourful histories.”

What have been her most memorable experiences working there?

“Meeting Gok Wan when he was in pantomime at the Cliffs Pavilion, I’m a huge fan. And when Southend United moved up the league a few years ago and we had allthe players backhere for a celebration. The cup was handed around and we had our pictures taken with it. That was such a great night!”

Hamlet Court Road has been part of the estate of Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, since last summer.

“We are a very friendly pub; very much a community pub. We hope our customers experience a friendly, relaxing, cosy pub with great service,” said Mary.

“We have some great live music evenings, all with local talent.

We’ve also just launched a new menu which has gone down really well,the dishes are delicious, and with the addition of the Shepherd Neame beers, we have gained plenty of new customers.

“The best part of my job is seeing and hearing everyone having a great time, including our team members! I love the sound of a great pub, it generates such a great atmosphere.