A long-closed pub that has been taken over by a mother and daughter duo is almost ready to open following a huge renovation project. 

Jackie Williams, of Chelmsford, will manage The Lion in Stoke by Clare alongside her daughter Sophie, who lives in Sudbury, with a grand opening celebration planned for Friday, September 8.

In the last two months the team have completely repainted the previously tired interior, upholstered furniture, redecorated the bar area and dining rooms, with new flooring in the dining room, replaced the toilets and given the whole pub a deep clean. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Jackie and Sophie, who have taken on The Lion Stoke by ClareJackie and Sophie, who have taken on The Lion Stoke by Clare (Image: Jackie Williams)

Residents have also lent a hand with scrubbing floors and clearing the overgrown garden. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The newly painted seating area at the bar in The Lion, Stoke by ClareThe newly painted seating area at the bar in The Lion, Stoke by Clare (Image: Newsquest)

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.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jackie and Sophie fully redecorated the bar and dining room areaJackie and Sophie fully redecorated the bar and dining room area (Image: Newsquest)

She said: "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.

East Anglian Daily Times: The fireplace in the dining roomThe fireplace in the dining room (Image: Newsquest)

"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."

East Anglian Daily Times: Jackie and Sophie have planned a grand opening on September 8Jackie and Sophie have planned a grand opening on September 8 (Image: Newsquest)

The Lion is owned by pub company Admiral Taverns. 

East Anglian Daily Times: New toilets have been put in at The LionNew toilets have been put in at The Lion (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Williams said the pub will offer a pizza menu while they get established, before staring roast dinners on Sundays and 'pub grub' food after a few months in business. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The bar, which will be fully decorated by September 8The bar, which will be fully decorated by September 8 (Image: Newsquest)

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

East Anglian Daily Times: Bar stools that have been reupholstered by JackieBar stools that have been reupholstered by Jackie (Image: Newsquest)

"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 with live music on Friday, September 8.