A new pub has opened in Southend Airport's departure lounge.

What was once the Lakers Bar, this new bar offers air conditioning, free wi-fi and charging connections and can serve up to 300 people.

The Navigator will be open daily from 4am until the departure of the final flight.

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There is both a breakfast and main menu, including a wide burger range and dishes to suit vegetarians and vegans. 

Boss say there is a wide range of drinks, including craft beers from Leigh-on-Sea Brewery.

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Visitors have the option to enjoy the south Essex-produced Legra Pale pale ale, Six Little Ships best bitter and Cockle Row Spit US style IPA.

London distilled gins and vodkas, G&Ts, spritz cocktails and a global wine list are all also available.

The development is part of the £300,000 investment made by TRG Concessions.

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TRG Concessions took over the existing airport-operated outlets in June as part of a £5m deal to develop the food and beverage offer over the next ten years.

This includes outlets such as the Giraffe Stop and Costa.

These new outlets have created 40 new jobs.

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Steve Cannon, who is from Southend has been appointed as general manager of The Navigator.

Steve brought with him eight key team members from his years working in hospitality in Southend.

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The 38-year-old, said: "I am absolutely delighted to join the team at London Southend Airport, it's expanding all the time and is a huge success story so I really wanted to be part of that journey.

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"A holiday, mini break or business travel starts the minute a person arrives in the airport and so it’s my goal to ensure that anyone passing through London Southend will only take away good memories of their experience with us."