It may only just be September but in some industries the tick tock of the countdown to Christmas has begun.

“We have already had our Christmas tree delivered,” laughs Matthew Shinn, manager at the newly opened Rose and Crown pub in Maldon.

The pub, owned by the JD Wetherspoon group, opened its doors on August 15 after a £1.68 million refurbishment.

And things are already hotting up for the festive period.

As Matthew explains: “We will be taking Christmas orders from next week and we will probably put the tree up around mid to late October. I know it seems early but I really like the Christmas period. There’s a lovely feeling to it and staff come in wearing their festive jumpers and hats.”

Matthew, 29, has worked for the group since he was 18, starting part time and returning after finishing university.

Before coming to Maldon the manager worked at one of the group’s pubs in Basildon.

But so far he hasn’t had to work Christmas Day.

“This may be the first one as I’ve usually worked Christmas Eve and things are pretty fair like that. But we have become very popular amongst locals already and are quite busy, so this may be my year to work Christmas Day,” he says.

With 50 staff spread through the bar and kitchen areas, there are plenty of hands on deck for busy periods in the pub, which was extended before opening.

The pub now covers a large 3,000 square feet, with another 1,100 square feet in the beer garden.

Managing a pub of this size is a big job, but it does not leave Matthew flustered.

“I love my job,” he says.

“No two days are the same. There is always a different challenge to deal with, with different customers coming in each day for different reasons.

“You just have to be organised, and plan what’s coming up, particularly the end of the day after closing, because that’s when you get things done.

“Yes the days can be long and if I’m working until closing at midnight, I may not be home until 1.30am or 2am.

“But that’s the nature of the job. I just make lots of lists!”

The pub offers something for everyone, with a range of drinks including craft and real ales, a new menu being launched on September 16 and a quieter area for dining and a separate bar area.

The extension, mixing the old 15th century Rose and Crown Inn with the new, means the front end of the pub is more relaxed, and the bar area for those who just want a drink.

Historical photos, details of local history, information relating to events, historical buildings and characters of the area, as well as artwork by local artists are all on display.

To make sure the building works did not disturb the site’s history an archaeological dig was undertaken at this site before work commenced and various artefacts were uncovered in the rear garden.

Examples of 16th and 17th century pottery pieces found, are included within the artwork and local history which is displayed on the walls.

Commissioned artworks include an original pen and ink drawing by Glynn Thomas, The Rose and Crown, Maldon, as well as a wire mesh sculpture, Flock of native Essex birds, by Barry Sykes.

Matthew says: “We have become very popular in a short period of time and I look forward to meeting new customers from the area and beyond.

“We’re coming up to a busy time so it’s all systems go!”