The Lion pub, Stoke by Clare to reopen under new management

Jackie Williams, from Chelmsford, is taking on The Lion in Stoke by Clare alongside her daughter Sophie, who lives in Sudbury, with plans to open their doors for the first time on September 8. 

Ms Williams, who has come out of retirement to take on The Lion, is no stranger to the industry, having run two pubs in Hertfordshire in the past.

Jackie Williams (right) with her daughter, Sophie (Image: Jackie Williams)

Of her decision to take on the project, she said: "I retired when covid hit and I just got bored.

"We just decided we would look for another pub and we saw a few, went and viewed a few, and then viewed this one and thought it was a great project.

"This is a mammoth task, we've had to do a lot of work and put a lot of money into it, but my daughter really wanted this one because it is a project we can put our own stamp on."

The Lion is owned by pub company Admiral Taverns. 

The Lion in Stoke By Clare (Image: Google maps)

So far the pair have re-modelled the toilets, redecorated the hallway and are working on cleaning, renovating and perfecting the rest of the interior.

Ms Williams said the pub will offer a pizza menu while they get established, with a roast dinner on a Sunday, and hope to expand into 'pub grub' food after a few months in business. 

She said: "I just want to give the village back their pub and give them a nice place to come and sit and socialise.

"We are both nervous but excited, really excited. From the support we've had already and the feedback we've had we think it is going to be a success." 

The Lion will host a grand opening celebration on Friday, September 8.