Partners hope to reopen The Gate pub in Sawbridgeworth in April

A pub that’s been a landmark in Sawbridgeworth and a popular watering hole for decades could be back in business after two local men took over the lease.

Damien Devine told the Indie that The Gate in London Road was undergoing extensive refurbishment by pub chain Stonegate before he and partner Noel Wright could reopen it.

“There’s a fair bit that needs to be done, but we’d like to think we’ll be open in April,” he said.

Damien, who has been living around the area for years and ran The Old Red Lion Theatre pub in The Angel, Islington, with his family, said The Gate would have a “softer” style than it has had traditionally.

“It will be real ale driven with a mix of lagers and ciders on tap,” he said. The pub will eventually show TV sports and offer darts and pool, but that will be later in the year.

“The focus is on getting the place tidied up and open,” said Damien.