Local resident to reopen pub in Orsett following a revamp

A deep love of The King’s Arms, and the Orsett community has led local resident Vicki Gracie to take on its lease with her daughter, Jade, who has a background in hospitality. Mother and daughter, who have been running a florist business, will open the pub mid-October, following a three-to-four-week closure and £160,000 joint investment with Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars.1 The pub closes temporarily at the end of service on 19th September.  

The King’s Arms has been run under different temporary managers for the last three years.  Vicki and Jade plan to create a top-quality family and dog friendly local, introducing regular food and coffee and utilising the pub’s function space for community events.  Five new jobs are being created on the back of the proposed changes.

Vicki and Jade’s ideas for The King’s Arms include a monthly pub quiz, bingo afternoon for retirees, an annual Christmas market and summer fete and a hosting regular live singer.  The pub will also show live sport on Sky TV.

Says Vicki: “I live opposite the pub and first thought about taking it on years ago, but the timing wasn’t right.   We’ve got a real family connection to the pub.  As well as being regulars, one of my daughters worked there, my nephew managed it for a few months, and I even got a job there cleaning it after covid and have hosted Christmas wreath making workshops.  Spending more time there has made me realise how much I cared about it.  As far as I am concerned it’s run that pub or no pub.

“The timing is great now.  The King’s Arms is being given a revamp.  On top of that, we will lavish the TLC needed to make it a true hub of the community. We will offer pub food daily and I am reaching out to different local groups to see how we can best support them.  We intend to create a calendar of events and would love to initiate the revival of the village traditions.  We will be offering discounts to Blue Light Card holders and are making the MCA Trust children’s cancer charity our official charity.”  

The duo will be utilising their floristry skills with the planting in the garden and will continue to host Christmas wreath making workshops.  Jade also intends to continue to do flowers for weddings and events.

The King’s Arms will offer a menu of traditional pub classics as well as weekend breakfasts, prosecco brunches and a cracking Sunday lunch.  Victoria has said if there is local demand, they will introduce breakfast on weekdays too.

Drinkswise, a selection of premium quality draught ales and cider as well as fresh barista style coffee.  Victoria and Jade will also be introducing cocktails.

The funds are being spent on a sympathetic refurbishment maintaining the pub’s traditional look and feel.  Inside the refresh will include new seating in the snug, new carpets, and new pendant lighting and a striking back bar. The dining area will have feature wallpaper and lighting and new carver style seats.  

Outside will be repainted and new signage & lighting added.  The terrace which has seating for 30 is also being given a facelift and festoon lighting fitted to add to the ambience.  

Says Business Development Manager, Steve Charlton: “Victoria knows the area really well, both as a resident and as a business owner.  She also has a real appreciation of The King’s Arms, having worked there with family members over the years.  She’s passionate about the pub and together with Jade has all the skills needed to take The King’s Arms to a whole new level and to create a fantastic local at the heart of the community.   I think they’re a great fit for the pub and wish them every success.”