Pubgoers can wet the head of the newest Royal Prince Louis at the first pub to be named in his honour.

The McMullen and Sons pub, in Notley Green, Great Notley, is set to open to punters for the first time on May 9, and excitement is already building in the village.

The Prince Louis bears the name of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child, and is the first boozer in the country to pay homage to the youngster.

Claire and Aaron Wood, general managers of The Prince Louis, said: “We are thrilled to be opening in McMullens newest pub, our team have commenced training and were excited as us to know the name of the baby and pub.”

Upon its closure in January 2017, residents started a campaign to save what was The Oaklands Inn, and succeeded in registering it as an Asset of Community Value.

McMullens bought the pub from brewery Shepherd Neame last year, and have since invested more than £1 million in refurbishing the premises.

Heydon Mizon, managing director of McMullen and Sons, said: “We are delighted to have acquired and invested in this pub which will contribute to the warm and friendly community of Great Notley.

“We hope that the locals will be just as happy to see it being reopened as we are.”

The Prince Louis is the third of McMullen’s pubs to have a Royal theme, along with The Prince George in Milton Keynes and Princess Charlotte in Colchester.

The pub will be the 14th Chicken and Grill style opening by the business, which owns 174 pubs across Essex and the rest of the East of England.

Mr Mizon added: “The Chicken and Grill concept is a small part of Macs, it was developed in 2007 as part of our diverse pub, bar and hotel estate.”

Visit www.mcmullens.co.uk.