A PUB in Brentwood High Street will relaunch next week after a £235,000 revamp.

The Merchant, formerly the Litten Tree, will be officially opened by Brentwood mayor Vicky Davies next Thursday (11th).

The name change follows the substantial investment which has resulted in the creation of new roles, and 20 additional jobs.

As well as new sleek silver and black exterior signage, stylish redecoration and elegant furnishings throughout, The Merchant will introduce a brand new food and drinks menu that will make it a haven for enthusiasts of great quality food, ale and wine.

General manager Paul Marshall said: "It's a new beginning for the pub and there is real air of excitement about it.

"We decided on The Merchant as the new name, as having researched the site and the area we found that Brentwood used to be a stopping off point for those pilgrims travelling from Colchester to Canterbury, so it used to attract lots of merchants selling their wares.

"Inside will have a different feel to the pub with a mix of dining furniture and more relaxed, comfortable armchairs. We are introducing SKY HD and will continue to show big sporting events via our large screen as well as host live bands and DJ-led party nights on Friday and Saturdays."

"But perhaps the biggest change will be across our food and drinks offers", continued Paul.  "On the food side, the emphasis will be on freshly prepared dishes, seasonal ingredients, classic pub favourites and tempting desserts whilst our range of drinks will be more diverse with an extensive selection of quality wines and delicious cocktails.

"We will also be introducing, for the first time, cask ale and will serve a choice of five beers from national as well as local breweries such as Brentwood Brewery. To celebrate the pub’s launch Brentwood Brewery is even creating a new ale called 'The Merchant' for us."

Dishes on the menu include a mouth-watering Open Chicken Pie, Pulled Pork Burger and a special Seafood Linguine. 

Some of the indulgent desserts featuring on the menu are Baked Vanilla Cheesecake, Lemon Meringue Pie and Cinnamon and Caramel Cake. Other new additions include a choice of dishes under 500 calories, that certainly make up in flavour for what they lack in calorie content.

The Merchant will also do a Sunday lunch menu for the family and so a new Sunday roast menu is being introduced too – a choice of two meats, topside beef served with freshly made Yorkshire pudding, British chicken, accompanied by crispy roast potatoes and roasted parsnips, seasonal vegetables and a selection of sauces.

The pub will also open daily from 8am serving breakfasts and coffee from Italian coffee experts Lavazza, making it an ideal place to for informal meetings or catching up with friends.

Mr Marshall and his team will be welcoming guests for a special celebratory prosecco and canapé reception from 5pm next Thursday will officially re-open the pub.

Doors open to the public from 7pm with locally renowned band, Simon’s band performing live throughout the evening to entertain guests.

The family-friendly pub will open Monday to Saturday from 8.00am and from 10.00am on Sundays. It will close at 11pm on Sundays to Wednesdays and at 11.30pm on Thursdays and at 1.00am on Friday and Saturdays evenings.