Colchester Chronicle

And so Sunny Colch will have to wait a little later for the grand re-opening of The Stockwell in West Stockwell Street with the 7th February date now cancelled.

Um…

Not exactly a hurrah, then.

But no worries.

Having to wait a few extra weeks until the pumps are pulled once again is a mere trickle in the timeline for one of the fondest old boozers in Britain’s Oldest Recorded.

Betcha there wasn’t any rubberised kitchen floor woes back in 1530…

Owner Robert Morgan explains:

“We believe the water table has risen a couple of inches due to the recent snow and rain. As a result, the screed that was put down has absorbed more moisture than it should, which in turn has caused the rubberised kitchen floor to bubble.

This problem and its implications have forced us to re-evaluate the situation. We were prepared to continue with the launch event knowing that there was still some snagging work to be carried out, but this latest problem is a step too far and has ultimately forced me into making the decision to cancel the launch and postpone the opening.”

Robert has shown incredible patience (and deep pockets) since purchasing the old Stockwell Arms for £1m from Punch Taverns back in 2009. The grand plan remains a Medieval Restaurant & Real Ale Hall. Most of the refurbishment is complete. Head Chef Dean Light is waiting to take control of the non-rubberised kitchen.

Yep, it’s a business… but The Stockwell deserves a good run of fortune when it is finally re-opens. The Chronic was charmed during our visit last year – we firmly believe in the long-term future of the historic building in the old Dutch Quarter to help boost the hyperlocal economy.

Hopefully not long now.

Chin chin.

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