A SECOND pub on Victoria Avenue has had an impressive makeover – but all is not what it seems.

After years spent in a state of disrepair, the Edwardian-built Golden Lion, in Southend, has followed the Spread Eagle by being restoring to its former glory – but not as a pub.

Owner Richard King, 57, bought the building three-and-a- half years ago after it had already been vacant for a year. He quietly moved in his vintage car parts business, Karmann Konnection, in December, before finishing the facade’s restoration this month.

Now a sign hangs outside stating the nature of his business, even though he has lovingly restored the Golden Lion lettering both on the side and the front of the building, as well as replacing acid-etched windows, cleaning the brickwork and paying for a new lick of paint.

Mr King even stayed true to minor details by sourcing replacement bricks from a brickyard which closed down 12 years ago and tracking down 13 old chimney pots to replace the ones that had been removed.

The Golden Lion was built as a coaching inn in 1901 and currently houses tenants on the first and second floors.