A LANDLORD in Ramsden Heath has transformed his pub's beer garden into a winter wonderland, complete with a synthetic ice rink.
Steve Haslam, who owns the White Horse in Heath Road, officially opened the rink on Saturday to coincide with the school half-term holiday.
The entrepreneurial proprietor, who believes his synthetic rink to be the first at a pub in Essex, is planning to turn it into a roller rink after the festive season.
Mr Haslam, 47, who owns the pub with partner Jo Drain, 41, said: "We've been nominated as the best outdoor pub on several occasions, so we're always thinking of new ideas to improve the pub.
"We've got a fabulous garden that holds 500 people outside, but it closes in the winter, which we always think is such a shame.
"After doing some research, we decided an ice rink was a great idea and something we should definitely do.
"We surveyed people who drink in the pub asking them what they thought about the idea and everyone agreed it was a great suggestion."
After receiving a £20,000 investment from TLC Inns, the company which operates the pub, the ice rink took 14 workers three days to install.
Mr Haslam, a father of three, added: "The ice rink is an outstanding venue. It was originally installed on to the roof of Harrods in London.
"But it's not just aimed at children, everyone can go ice skating and we're planning to have a massive Hallowe'en party as well as embracing the Christmas spirit."
The ice rink, which measures 16m x 8m, can hold 42 skaters at any one time and Mr Haslam and his team will be serving mulled wine, hot cider and mince pies from a specially erected marquee.
"It's already proved a hit with my children.
"When Christmas is over the ice rink will become a roller rink during February and March."
The rink will be open during the school half-term from noon to 8pm, on weekends between noon to 3pm, and during the week from 4pm to 8pm.
A skating session is 40 minutes and costs £5.
Children who skate will be offered half-price meals.
