A PUB which closed about 18 months ago is set to be transformed into a craft centre and coffee shop.

The family behind the venture at the Rose and Crown pub in Great Horkesley have moved into the premises as their six-year-old business continues to thrive.

Owner Alison Willard launched Blue Owl in West Bergholt in 2011 to get back into work after her second child started school.

The arts and crafts fan was selling second hand children’s clothing before expanding into ceramics which really took off.

After three years the business relocated to Nayland where Mrs Willard has run the Blue Owl ceramics painting studio until now.

But this major step will see the family, including husband and joint business owner Chris and their two children, set their roots down in a much larger premises.

They have applied to Colchester Council for permission to change the use of the Grade II listed venue. A decision due in early June.

Mrs Willard said: “We are really excited.

“Hopefully we will get the planning permission and it will make it easier for us as a family to have it in one location and manage our time.

“Hopefully it will all come together.”

Mr and Mrs Willard glaze and fire all the pottery for visitors to paint using their own kilns

Before moving into the pub’s accommodation the family had been living in West Bergholt.

When the pub in Nayland Road came up for sale Mrs Willard said they had to snap it up.

She said: “This pub had caught my eye because I knew it had been shut for a while but didn’t think for one minute we could buy it or afford it.

“We went for it and secured the freehold.”

Mrs Willard said cosmetic work was underway at the former pub but it had been revamped thoroughly just a few years ago.

The craft centre will expand on what has been acheived at the Nayland site with the chance for visitors to paint ceramics, buy gifts and enjoy coffees and homemade snacks.

It is hoped in the future light lunches could be offered.

The new venture will continue to hosts children’s craft parties, toddler groups, evening sessions for adults, hen parties and baby showers.

The business employs eight part-time staff but it is proposed this could grow to 12.

If granted permission it is expected to open in July before the school summer holidays with the Nayland site closing down for shortly beforehand.

The Rose and Crown, an award-winning gastro pub, ceased trading in September 2015 for unknown reasons.