Westcliff Drinks Co new owners preparing to host launch

Comedian and radio presenter Ross McGrane and his friends John Oakes and James Beatty have teamed up to purchase Westcliff Drinks Co in Hamlet Court Road.

While the bar hasn’t closed since the trio took the keys, it will be rebranded and relaunched come October 1 with plans being made to host a variety of exciting launch events – including special guests from Ross’ background on the comedy circuit.

It will relaunch under a new as-of-yet-decided name in late September.

While placing an emphasis on comedy events, something even the décor will nod to, the bar will host a range of events, eventually looking to host something six nights a week.

Grand plans - Westcliff Drinks Co (Image: Ross McGrane)

Ross, presenter on Radio Essex and voice of the weekend breakfast show. said: “We are currently open under the bar's original hours and the idea is to rebrand and reopen in October focusing heavily on the events.

“We will do weekly comedy clubs and comedy brunches and comedy dinner experiences and lots of that.

“I think Hamlet Court Road is up and coming and since the nightclub industry died a death, people want bars and the location is in the middle of Westcliff, where people don’t want the High Street, this has seen rejuvenation and a lot of independent businesses popping up.

“It is really bustling and you have great craft beer pubs but nothing to cater specifically to cocktails and comedy and all three of us are comedians, James has been a promoter in Braintree and north Essex for 15 years.

“That is the level of comedy, we will bring top names, we will put on a good show and be doing previews of tours.

“I’d love to have events everyday of the week eventually with an emphasis on comedy.”

Ross added that the décor will feature memorabilia from comedy history, to allow the personalities of the owners to “run through the space.”

He added: “I have done events since I was 15 and I want this to be a real centre for arts and comedy.”