A POPULAR pub has been taken under the wing of a family with big dreams for its future.

The Muddy Duck, in Maldon, is up and running at Fullbridge.

The pub is being run by family members, living in the Dengie area, Steve Jenkin, mother Kathleen Jenkin, Steve's partner Julian Hoad and his dad Daniel Hoad.

They recently had a new kitchen installed and have plans to redecorate the pub in small sections, so they won’t need to close the pub for long periods of time.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Pub garden: seating area outside the Muddy Duck

The pub has a menu of pub classics, including beer battered cod and chips, scampi, burgers, handmade pies, sourdough pizzas and sausage and mash.

They have a background in the construction and hospitality industry and this is their first ever business.

Director Steve Jenkin said: “We are very much family orientated. We are the directors and we will also have members of our extended family working with us.

“We also kept on the existing barmaids from the Sunny Sailor too.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Duck incubating: Steven with his duck eggs

“We have taken the pub on a ten-year lease and have lots of plans for the future.

“We have already made some changes in the garden and added new furniture and we will be looking to start renovating.

“What was a disused hall area, we are converting into a bar and dining area for adults and children.

“We are a family and dog-friendly pub with evening events during the week, music, bingo and local solo artists.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: River view: outside the pub

“We have a long-term plan to have a luxury Airbnb apartment in the upstairs of the building.”

The new owners made the decision to change the name of the pub to the Muddy Duck due to the muddy riverbanks outside at low tide.

Steve said: “At low tide it’s muddy and we saw a group of mallard ducks wading through the mud.

“Julian came up with the idea to change the name.

“We’re actually now incubating 12 mallard eggs, following RSBP licensing guidance and were looking to release them in the river next year.

“We’ve been nervous and excited. I’ve hung up my tools and regular jobs to dive into this new 24 hour job. We're all super excited.”