A POPULAR seaside pub, which closed suddenly just weeks before the busy festive period, is set to reopen next month.

The Jolly Sailors bar and restaurant at Pakefield was shut in November, with only a sign on the front door alerting customers it had closed.

Jolly Sailors Ltd, which ran the pub in Pakefield Street, said it had gone into voluntary liquidation because it 'could not by reason of its liabilities, continue its business,' and about 20 full-time and part-time jobs were lost.

But today The Journal can reveal that former owner Andrew Willows is set to return to take over the business once more – 14 years after he was previously in charge.

'At the moment there is a lot of work being done, with electricians, plumbers, painters and decorators all here so I will be happy when it is all up-and-running' he said. 'I sold it to the previous owners and they went into liquidation in December but after coming to an amicable agreement with Enterprise Inns, the hope is now that we open the bar and offer light bites in mid-February, then hopefully open the restaurant with a full menu in March.'

The Jolly sailors has a 52-seater restaurant and became well-known for its carvery.

Mr Willows, who will be running the pub in partnership with his former head chef Andy Locke, said he was planning to 'streamline the menu' and that he was also aiming to employ some of his old staff.

'The hope is to end up having around 15 to 20 staff, and I intend having a great fresh fish menu and a specials menu, all home-cooked, done daily to the table,' Mr Willows said.

If anyone has any inquiries about the Jolly Sailors, interested patrons or diners can be kept informed of developments with messages left via a messaging service on 01502 561398.