A COMEDIAN and radio presenter has announced he has picked up the keys to a Westcliff bar and is now the new owner.

In a post shared to Facebook, Radio Essex presenter Ross McGrane announced that he and friends, John Oakes and James Beatty, has bought the Westcliff Drinks Co in Hamlet Court Road.

For the past seven years, McGrane has been a familiar voice to Essex radio listeners, hosting Radio Essex’s weekend breakfast show and providing weekday cover.

In addition to presenting, McGrane is a mainstay of the British comedy circuit, performing at the country’s top venues and supporting acts such as Russell Kane, Jayde Adams and Jordan Gray.

Announcing the news, he said he "loved the bar" the second he walked in and has "incredible plans" for its future.

He said: "Beside myself with excitement to tell you that we picked up the keys to the next chapter in our mental lives.

"Me and my brothers John Oakes and James Beatty are now the proud owners of Westcliff Drinks Co on Hamlet Court Road.

"We’ve got some incredible plans for the bar and we’re all genuinely excited to share them all with you, so watch this space.

"Massive thanks to Katie and Dan from Leigh Spirit Company for a seamless sale and handover. I loved the bar the second I walked in there for the first time and we’re looking forward to continuing your hard work.

"Come down and see us for a beer or 20 (and if you could bring about 40 mates with you that’d be ideal)."

Prior to taking over Westcliff Drinks Co, Ross organised comedy club Little Smash Comedy at the venue.

Over the last month he has been performing his latest show Get Rich or Cry Trying at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Until now, Westcliff Drinks Co has been owned and operated by the Leigh Spirit Company, who have also recently sold Westcliff Drinks Co’s sister venue, Leigh Drinks Co on Leigh Hill.

Leigh Spirit Company is a family-owned business that credits the town’s history of smuggling and piracy as the inspiration for its unique style of drinks manufacturing. The owners prioritise sustainability and locality of ingredients in their process.