The pubco, along with new licensees Ross Saunders and May Davies, are beginning work to reopen the Two Brewers after a temporary closure.
The investment will restore the site to its "former glory as an outstanding traditional pub" and introduce freshly prepared food. An underused function room will be transformed into a space for theatre and stand-up comedy nights as well as community events and functions.
Work is expected to take two months with the Two Brewers scheduled to open its doors in early December.
The Two Brewers is pair's first pub. Saunders, a chef with 20 years' experience in the hospitality industry, previously owned a busy Italian restaurant in the Lake District while Davies's background is in the arts, working in theatre, film and community arts projects for more than 10 years.
Fell in Love
According to Star Pubs & Bars, the couple have been looking for a pub in the south-east for more than a year and say they "fell in love" with the Two Brewers and Chelmsford on their first visit.
“It’s just what we were looking for," said Saunders. A beautiful old pub with lots of potential in the middle of a lively town centre. We want to use my cooking skills and May’s theatre experience to give The Two Brewers a new lease of life and Chelmsford a great traditional pub in the heart of the town once again.”
The couple are installing a new kitchen and pizza oven. Using his experience in Italian food, Saunders promises Mediterranean dishes and stone-based pizzas alongside pub classics. An espresso machine is also being added.
Star Pubs & Bars operations director Tim Galligan said: “We feel fortunate that such committed and creative licensees as Ross and May are taking on the Two Brewers as their own and working with us to revive its fortunes.
"Heineken is a passionate supporter of the great British pub and is investing in pubs like the Two Brewers to help them deliver excellent quality, attract customers and thrive at the heart of their communities for years to come.”