THE owner of a historic pub devastated by fire two years ago says he is working “really hard” to get the pub reopened.

Richard King is working to rebuild and refurbish The Kings Head in Bradwell-on-Sea.

The pub was ravaged in September 2014 after an industrial fryer blaze – two days before Mr King was due to complete his purchase.

Landlords, Mike and Kay Clay, stayed with relatives after the blaze but it is understood they hope to return to the pub after its refurbishment.

Last week Mr King has now provided an update on work to the Maldon and Dengie branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

He said work was coming to a close of Tudor and Victorian sides to the pub.

Work on the kitchen, bathroom and tilling is still to be completed.

In the update Mr King he hoped the pub could reopen in March.

Speaking to the Standard he said: “It is going really well and we are hopeful about opening this year.

“We are working really hard to get it open.”

Mr King is also looking to restore two barns and make them into holiday letting accommodation.