A FORMER restaurant in Westcliff is set to become a plush new “Instgrammable” bar named after the owner’s daughter, Isla.

Samantha Jemal, 34, and fiance Codie Greenfield, 32, grabbed the opportunity to shape the new Isla’s Bar, which was formerly Ramen and Chill, in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, after receiving an inheritance. 

The new bar – which promises to offer “bottomless brunches and afternoon teas” - is another addition to the road, which residents, councillors and businesses are collectively working to rejuvenate. And the stars of TOWIE are expected to be at the official opening.

It follows the late October opening of The Craftsman, on the former site of Clouseau’s Bar.

Samantha said: “It’s going to be an Instagram bar, which means we will be encouraging people to take lots of photos of all the lovely things we have in place. 

“We have got flowers, a shimmer wall, neon signs, a beautiful big chair which I am having made, a Barbie box... there will be lots of things to take photos of and for people to enjoy and have a good time. 

“We are planning bottomless brunches and afternoon teas. 

“Upstairs we are having booths put in and people will be able to hire that area out for events.”

The new bar is to be named after Samantha’s youngest daughter.

She has three children, and said the eldest two didn’t mind when she chose her youngest’s name.

“We felt a bit bad about that,” she laughed, “but the older two were OK about it. 

“Isla is the baby and the name just seemed right.”

Samantha added: “My fiance and I have always said we would love to run a bar together - we’ve been together for eight years - and when this opportunity popped up, we just decided to go for it. 

“To be honest, it was quite spur of the moment!

“It’s going to be a restaurant and tapas bar.

“I used to run a burger van in Purfleet, but this is a brand new, separate business.”

The bar is set to open on Saturday, November 26, if all goes according to plan, with a saxophonist and bongo player booked, plus some special guests in the pipeline.

Samantha said: “We have some people from TOWIE coming!
“It’s going to be a really busy night.”