Hamlet Court Road Melrose pub 1968 opening in photos

These photos show the opening of The Melrose pub in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff.

Now Dry January is over here’s a toast to a shot of nostalgia. These photos show the opening of The Melrose pub in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff. The pub – which is still serving customers today– opened its doors in April of 1968. The opening celebrations, on Thursday April 11, almost never happened. Half an hour before the doors opened workmen were still polishing mirrors and painting the furniture. However, at dead on midday the doors were unbolted and the first punters walked in. The first pint was pulled by Harry Winn, a journalist with 30 years experience in the pub industry. A lot of effort had been put into ensuring the Melrose had a cosy atmosphere. Architects and decorators working for the brewery which owned the pub had scoured the country for Victorian furniture and ornaments. The decor was a warm red colour while wall to wall carpeting and ornamental lamps added to the Victorian theme. One mirror hung on the wall dated back to 1910. A spokesman for the pub said at the opening: “The object of the Melrose is two fold. It will be a rendezvous during the day for the business and shopping community and in the evenings a local for the residents of the Hamlet Court Road area.” The first landlords at the pub were married couple Ivor and Joan Potter. (Image: Newsquest)

The pub – which is still serving customers today– opened its doors in April of 1968.

The opening celebrations, on Thursday April 11, almost never happened.

Half an hour before the doors opened workmen were still polishing mirrors and painting the furniture.

VIP guest - a boss from Haven Inns, which owned the pub, pulls a pint (Image: Newsquest)

However, at dead on midday the doors were unbolted and the first punters walked in.

The first pint was pulled by Harry Winn, a journalist with 30 years experience in the pub industry.

executives from brewers Haven Inns, are pictured with the landlord and landlady (Image: Newsquest)

A lot of effort had been put into ensuring the Melrose had a cosy atmosphere.

Architects and decorators working for the brewery which owned the pub had scoured the country for Victorian furniture and ornaments.

Clock - pub bosses scoured around for furnishings from the Victorian era (Image: Newsquest)

The decor was a warm red colour while wall to wall carpeting and ornamental lamps added to the Victorian theme.

Cosy vibe - the pub was fitted with historic lamps (Image: Newsquest)

One mirror hung on the wall dated back to 1910.

Mirror - a mirror dating back to 1910 took pride of place on one of the walls (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman for the pub said at the opening: “The object of the Melrose is two fold. It will be a rendezvous during the day for the business and shopping community and in the evenings a local for the residents of the Hamlet Court Road area.”

The first landlords at the pub were married couple Ivor and Joan Potter.

Enjoying a pint - the first punters at the pub relax with a drink (Image: Newsquest)