A NEW family pub and restaurant in Southend will celebrate its official opening on Monday.

Part of the Marston chain, the Saxon King is named after a royal whose remains were unearthed in 2003, yards from where the pub stands.

Marston’s Inns and Taverns initially chose the name the Saxon Prince, but changed it following a protest by the Saxon King in Priory Park group. Members of the group will be attending the opening at 10am on Monday, along with Southend mayor Chris Walker.

Paul Whiteman, Marston’s area operations manager, said: “We can’t wait to finally let the public in.

“We’re really looking forward to raising a glass with the mayor to celebrate our opening.”

The pub, in Priory Crescent, seats 180 people and has a children’s play area.

Patsy Link, SKIPP committee member, said: “We are looking forward to the opening. It’s huge and looks great.

"Everybody in the area is happy that at last we will have a decent local with facilities for kids – I think it will be a big success.”