THE new landlord and customers at a much-loved pub are celebrating the completion of a refurbishment to improve the tired and dated interior. 

Nathan Collins took over as manager at the Brookside Tavern in June and has spent the last three weeks welcoming back customers after the pub shut its doors for four months - sparking fears for its future. 

New landlord - Nathan behind the barNew landlord - Nathan behind the bar (Image: Newsquest)

The pub, which enjoys a prime position on Rayleigh Road, has been serving Eastwood residents since the 1980s, and its recent refit suggests the future looks bright for the business. 

The Brookside Tavern's stylish new barThe Brookside Tavern's stylish new bar (Image: George Pizani)

An extensive refurbishment project has resulted in the Brookside Tavern receiving an updated look both inside and out. Floorboards and fresh paint have replaced dated carpet and tired furniture in a move that has given the pub a modern, and stylish atmosphere.

Nathan, who also runs the Bell and Chimes pub and restaurant in Rettendon Common, said that whilst the work has been extensive, the public reaction to the refurbishment has made it all worth it.

“The reaction’s been fantastic, every weekend we’ve been busy” he said.

The welcome reception from his regulars is something Nathan seeks to capitalise on in the near future with “a lot more entertainment booked in, like live singers and bands”.

Outside the Brookside TavernOutside the Brookside Tavern (Image: George Pizani)

It’s not just evening entertainment that Eastwood residents can look forward to at the Brookside Tavern, with Nathan seeking to expand into the town’s flourishing breakfast market.

“We’re going to start offering food, and we’ll be open from 9am as well, so we can start doing a bit of grub in the mornings for people” he said.

For 84-year-old Geoff Ashton, the Brookside Tavern has been his local pub for more than 25 years, and the recent refurbishment is something he’s been very pleased to see.

“I reckon it’s lovely” he said. 

“The décor is wonderful; I love all the bottles on show – everything just looks so shiny and clean”.

In Geoff’s eyes, there’s only one job left to do at the Brookside Tavern, and that’s getting the dartboard up on the wall.

“If you want a darts league, they just won’t accept it on a stand!” he said.