THE new landlady of a pub known as "a bit dodgy" says that reputation is a thing of the past following a revamp and her no-nonsense attitude.
Toni Crosbie is now behind the pumps at The King's Head in Great Baddow and following a substantial refurbishment, says she has brought back a country pub feel to proceedings.
"We are getting there, but when something sticks, it sticks," said the 48-year-old, who took over six weeks ago and has been working in pubs in some capacity since she was just 13 years old.
"I actually used to work here as manager, so I started making changes then. I got rid of a lot of people – with me, once you're barred, you're barred. I've got no problem standing in between two guys who are having a disagreement.
"But once I bought the pub, I did a refurbishment and made more changes. I want to bring back that traditional country pub feeling back again."
As well as new décor and a no-nonsense barring policy at the Maldon Road watering hole, Ms Crosbie and her partner Julian Pannent have also brought in a new traditional English food menu, and is working to attract new customers.
"The building is actually 400 years old this year, so I wanted to reflect that in what we did, and go for traditional food," Ms Crosbie, of South Woodham Ferrers, explained.
"We're planning on doing a couple of meals for the older generation – giving them a free lunch so they can see what we do, because so much of it really is word of mouth and since the place did used to have a bad reputation, we want to get people in the doors so they can see what we have done and how much it has changed.
"We've got so much history here.
"There is a bricked-up doorway under the pub that opens out onto tunnels that go all the way to the church.
"At some point I want to take a brick out and see if the tunnels are still there or if they have fallen in."
She is also planning to introduce an open mic night, live bands, karaoke, and a charity quiz night in aid of J's Hospice, as well as a cider festival in the pub garden over the summer months.
