THIRTY new jobs are to be created following a refurbishment at the Saracens Head Hotel in Great Dunmow.

The investment, follows the acquisition of the hotel by independent operator Cozy Pubs, which already owns the Cricketers Arms at Rickling Green and the Eight Bells in Saffron Walden, and totals around �1.75million including the purchase price.

Work at the 31-bedroom Saracens Head, a former coaching inn which is Grade II-listed, will start in the next two weeks, during which it will remain open. It will then close for a four-week period later in May for the refurbishment work to be completed.

Around 30 new jobs will be created, including opportunities to work as chefs, in the bar and restaurant and in managing the hotel accommodation.

“Having worked in the area for sometime we were well aware of the Saracens Head Hotel and its significance in the town,” said Cozy Pubs director Timothy Doyle. “It’s a superb site, with its 18th century fa�ade and its Georgian and Tudor style architecture, that’s steeped in history.

“There will be a more spacious bar, beautiful function rooms, really comfortable ensuite bedrooms and free Wi-Fi wherever you are in the building. There will also be a new food and drink offer, with home-cooked, fresh seasonal dishes and real local ales, and plenty of lovely spots to enjoy them.

“We’ll be carefully restoring the building, preserving its original features and character, to create a relaxed place to come for a drink or a bite to eat,” said Mr Doyle.

“We want to bring out the best of the place and create somewhere that’s very much the hub of the town; we think pubs should be at the heart of their communities and give locals what they want – a warm welcome, great hospitality, good things to eat and drink and somewhere to lay their head if they need to.”

He added: “We’re very excited at the prospect of restoring this grand old coaching inn and giving it back to the people of Great Dunmow.

“We know it’s a big task and one that has stumped several in the past but we’re in it for the long-haul and know we can make a success of it. We’ve got a good track record in both Saffron Walden and Rickling Green where we’ve done good things with those two great locals and we’re looking forward to doing the same here.”