“DELICIOUS” freshly made pizzas and a “cosy” atmosphere await punters as they return to a popular south Essex pub following its six-figure refurbishment.

The Hoy and Helmet, on Benfleet High Street, reopened on Saturday, with a whole new look and an outdoor bar.

The Greene King pub, dating back to the 16th century, closed its doors at the end of February to carry out the work.

Barman Miguel Hall-Baliña says the transformation was “worth the wait”.

He said: “It’s amazing. All the customers will absolutely love it.

“The décor feels a bit livelier than it used to. The colours are brighter and more modern, but we’ve kept the old features of the original building.

“This is the place to be.”

Echo: Service with a smile – Miguel Hall-Baliña and Sam Hardy at the Hoy’s new outdoor bar.Service with a smile – Miguel Hall-Baliña and Sam Hardy at the Hoy’s new outdoor bar. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Customers have rushed back to the pub, which had a soft launch on Friday attended by Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris before fully opening over the weekend. 

Landlady Gill Harvey said: “The reaction from customers has been really good.

Echo: The new covered seating area in the pub's garden boasts its own bar and pizza oven.The new covered seating area in the pub's garden boasts its own bar and pizza oven. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

“We’ve now got two bars, with a huge one outside, and a new pizza oven. You don’t even have to come into the pub, as you can now enjoy a meal and a drink in our covered garden area.

“On Saturday, we took as much money outside as we did inside.”

WATCH: Assistant Manager Phoebe Bean gives the Echo an exclusive tour of the all-new Hoy and Helmet

A 3.5-metre television is yet to be installed in the pub’s heated terrace, which boasts seating for more than 40 guests plus even more tables in the newly re-turfed garden.

Inside, the historic bar area has been repainted, with an all-new tiled floor.

Echo: New furniture has been brought in, along with mixed lighting.New furniture has been brought in, along with mixed lighting. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Gill added: “People were a little worried the ‘feel’ of the Hoy pub might be lost, but they’re pleasantly surprised as they come in.

“We’ve still got our cosy country pub feel, with lots of nooks and crannies where you can tuck yourself away.”

Experienced chefs Pawel Rogala and Kamil Szkolak are serving up fresh pizzas in the new outdoor kitchen.

Echo: Oven-fresh - Pawel Rogala and Kamil Szkolak are making pizzas in the new outdoor kitchen.Oven-fresh - Pawel Rogala and Kamil Szkolak are making pizzas in the new outdoor kitchen. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Pawel said: “It’s a whole new experience. It’s good to have something new in town, and it’s good for socialising.”

Barman Sam Hardy, 23, hailed the pizzas as “delicious”.

He added: “My favourite is the firecracker chicken. I quite like spicy food, so it’s right up my street.

Echo: Regulars - John, Andrea, Connor, and Rebecca Powell with babies Kehlani and Reagan.Regulars - John, Andrea, Connor, and Rebecca Powell with babies Kehlani and Reagan. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Regular customer John Powell has been visiting the Hoy with his family for 20 years.

He described its recent transformation as “absolutely fantastic”.

Mr Powell added: “It’s the only pub we use in Benfleet. It’s comfortable and suitable for all ages, including the grandkids.”