As pubs go, the location doesn’t get much better. A stone’s throw from the Thames, Lobster Smack, on Haven Road on Canvey Island has been famed for its hospitality since the days when Charles Dickens was writing about the pub. Roll on to 2014 and the pub is to enjoy a £220,000 refurbishment, to become a foodie-lovers haven, creating ten new jobs in the process.
“The changes to the pub are staggering”, said Lobster Smack’s general manager Amy Beach, adding, “Customers who have been visiting the pub for years won’t recognise it once the makeover is complete. Modernised and stylish, the Lobster Smack will be freshly redecorated inside and out to make it lighter and brighter, with new furniture, flooring, artwork and soft furnishings throughout too; but it will still retain all the characterful period features that make the Lobster Smack special.”
Amy and her team will be inviting customers to celebrate the re-launch of the new-look Lobster Smack with a reception from 5pm on Friday 7th February 2014. Guests, including regulars and those from local businesses will be we treated to a glass of bubbly on arrival and tasters from the pub’s new sharing platters, in what will be the start of a weekend of celebrations. ‘Maximum Robbie’, a Robbie Williams tribute act will be performing from 8pm, whilst singer, Ed Stacey, will be taking to the mike from 8pm on Saturday 8th February. There will be more live music throughout Sunday afternoon as well as a special show from a children’s entertainer.
Changes to the pub include increased dining space in the main bar area, whilst the pub’s refurbished upstairs bar, complete with pool table and pub games, is to be re-named ‘Drifters Bar’.
The Lobster Smack will re-open with a greater focus on quality freshly prepared food, introducing a brand new menu featuring dishes such as Cumberland Sausages and Spring Onion mash served with red wine gravy and sticky onion marmalade; King Prawn, Smoked Bacon and Asparagus risotto; sharing dishes such as a Charcuterie Board – traditional Spanish cured meats, cheeses, grilled asparagus and roasted peppers served with freshly baked bread and oils; and a choice of six dishes under 500 calories, that certainly make up in flavour for what they lack in calorie content. The pub will be introducing a new Sunday roast menu too – a choice of three meats, a 35-day-aged British beef served with freshly made Yorkshire pudding, British free-range pork loin or Norfolk reared turkey, accompanied by crispy roast potatoes and roasted parsnips, seasonal vegetables and a selection of sauces.
In addition to the far-reaching changes to the food menu, the Lobster Smack will be introducing cask ales; a range of four regularly rotating beers, sourced nationally and locally.
“The pub is so uniquely positioned next to the Thames estuary and has long been a destination venue for its clientele”, commented Amy. “Now with our stunning refurbishment and focus as a dining pub there is even more reason to visit and we look forward to welcoming customers new and returning to the Lobster Smack.”
The pub will open daily from midday and will continue to offer food until 9pm.