Harvester For The Weald

North Weald in London, (Essex), gains new eatery on it's best known site -

Article by Nick Dines

Sunday 14th January 2007, 22:05

The Beefeater Talbot in North Weald, Essex had become an institution; London has its Big Ben, Newcastle its Angel Of The North and Yorkshire its roaming moors, but The Talbot had become a familiar feature in the history of North Weald.

Come January 31st, pending building completion, the site formally known as a Beefeater will become a Harvester, following a two-month facelift. The Talbot establishment was one of 240 Whitbread pub restaurants recently acquired by Mitchells & Butlers.

Part of the agreement between the two establishment owners was the understanding that the pub restaurants purchased had to be transformed within a certain timeframe, a deal that was agreed in July 2006. Mitchells & Butlers recognised the site as an ideal position for the Harvester chain to occupy and they’re now keen on stamping their mark on an enviable site, directly on the A414, a couple of minutes away from the M11.

Prior to this, the nearest Harvester establishments had been The Castle and The Plough, situated in Woodford Green and Chelmsford respectively. A Harvester spokesman offered plenty of new features to enthuse about. “The décor will be lighter, brighter and more comfortable and relaxing. There is a 130 cover restaurant and an enlarged bar where you can also eat. We have made significant investment in the bar, restaurant and kitchen.” With The Gatekeeper in Hastingwood, Blakes Restaurant just down the road and numerous country pubs, Harvester will be up against stiff competition, but it seems they are prepared for the challenge.

Known for their ability to combine celebratory meals with quick lunch breaks or a relaxed drink with friends, Harvester will look to incorporate their methods with the respected tradition and character of its predecessor. The brand and façade may have changed but manager Steve Slade remains and when February arrives, the sand and building debris will be long gone, replaced instead by a car park full to the brim, guaranteed.

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