PLANS to bring one of the Colchester borough's oldest pubs back to life as a licensed tearoom and antique centre have been rubber stamped.

Colchester Council has approved businessman Jonathan Neill's plans to revamp the Shoulder of Mutton, in Halstead Road, Fordham.

Mr Neill and wife Jaci bought the premises after falling in love with the building and have spent £520,000 buying and revamping the premises.

Works to totally transform the 700-year-old building are almost complete, with the tearoom set open this week.

Mr Neill said: "The tearoom will be licensed and will serve food all day, including breakfast, lunch and afternoon vintage teas.

"It will still be known at The Shoulder of Mutton as this name dates back to the days before it was a pub when it was a residence and butchers’ premises."

The tearoom will be run by the Steel family, who live within a mile of the business, and produce will be sourced from nearby businesses.

Significant works have been necessary to bring the 14th century building up to scratch before it can reopen.

Mr Neill said: "It was in a poor state of repair including a leaking roof and flooded cellar.

"We wanted to put life back into this beautiful old property and offer something for the community after seeing all the other pubs in the village close."

During the renovation works ghostly goings on were discovered at the pub, leading to a ghost hunter being called in.

Mr Neill said: "It was reported recently the 700 plus year property may have a spirit presence in the form of a green lady and a ghost hunter was called in to investigate. Suspicions of ghostly activity were quickly confirmed.

"It is believed the discovery of a previously hidden staircase may have disturbed the presence of the spirits - and I don’t mean gin."

The new business will create nine new jobs for the area.