The Cherry Tree in Witham to reopen end of April following major revamp

Work starts on Monday 18^th March on a £180,000 upgrade of The Cherry Tree in Witham by Heineken owned Star Pubs.   Closed since October 2023, The Cherry Tree is to reopen at the end of April as a family friendly community village pub offering great quality affordable food and live entertainment.

A new publican, Chantelle Salhotra, is taking on The Cherry Tree and eight new jobs are being created. Chantelle, who was brought up in Uxbridge, is moving to Witham to take over the pub.  She has 17 years’ experience of working in hospitality including most recently running pubs in south London.

The outside of the dated looking pub is being given a complete makeover, redecorated in smart two-tone olive-green colours with gold lettering and new signage.  Festoon lighting will add to the pub’s welcoming look.  To the rear and side of the pub smarter wooden tables, chairs and benches and parasols are being installed providing seating for 104.

Inside The Cherry Tree is being given a brighter, smarter look and feel.   The sports zone is being redecorated and kitted out with a new Heineken branded pool table and dartboard.  It will also have a large HDTV with four other TVs showing sport throughout the rest of the pub.

Energy efficiency works will range from adding insulation and motion-sensor lighting to installing technology that will turn off drinks fridges when no movement is detected behind the bar and switch off cellar cooling equipment when the surrounding temperature is low enough.

A new menu is being introduced offering something for everyone including a kids’ selection.  It will feature pub classics such as burgers, fish and chips and grilled steak, gammon and chicken.  A home comforts section will include dishes like Steak & Ale Pie, Hunter Chicken and Mac n Cheese.  There will be a choice of world favourites such as Singapore Noodles, Tacos and Chicken Tikka Masala for those wanting more exotic flavours.  Lighter bites, and small plates offering a mix and match tapas style way of eating, and weekday deals will also be offered.

The drinks on offer will include draught and bottled lagers and ciders such as Amstel, Birra Moretti, Fosters, Guinness, John Smiths, and Strongbow Dark Fruits. Heineken 0.0, soft drinks and a selection of wines and fresh coffee will also be available.

Chantelle’s plans for the pub include showing live sports, hosting live entertainment including local bands, karaoke nights and a regular pub quiz as well as a family quiz on Sunday afternoons for those wanting to extend their Sunday lunch.

Chantelle said: “Essex has always been somewhere I have wanted to live so I leapt at the opportunity to take on The Cherry Tree.  I could see it had real potential.  I first visited it in October and so can’t wait to open the doors and welcome people.  I intend to have a grand launch night on the first bank holiday weekend.

“I have been really touched by the volume of well wishers on the Witham community facebook page and their kind messages – Thank you!  I am looking forward to getting to know local residents, including former and new customers.

“The Cherry Tree is going to be a great pub for the whole community – offering top quality yet affordable food.  All sorts of live sports will be shown from horse-riding to football and my favourite – boxing.  I am also a fan of karaoke, which I think is great fun.

“The sports area is going to look amazing, so it would be fantastic to establish darts and pool teams.  The Cherry Tree is also going to be dog friendly.  It will have to be as I intend getting my own pub dog!”

Says Star Pubs Business Development Manager Dan Hayward: “The investment, new food menu and Chantelle’s enthusiasm will do wonders for The Cherry Tree. With extra housing being built up the road it’s the ideal place for new and existing Witham residents to come together and get to know one another as there is nothing else in walking distance.  Chantelle has lots of plans to breathe new life into The Cherry Tree.  I wish her well and many happy days ahead for local residents.”