An historic Colchester building could soon be open for business again.

Owners Whitbread brewers are close to signing a new tenant for the 15th century Old Siege House in East Street - which bears bullet scars from the Civil War.

The former Beefeater restaurant closed in January after then owners the Crowded House Pub Company went into administrative receivership.

Responsibility passed to previous owners Whitbread, who put it on the market.

But Brian Owen, national assets manager for Beefeater, said: "We did put it on the market for offer, as we hold the lease. But the rent we pay on it means it is very difficult to sell, so we're looking to submit lease on that site.

"We do have an interested party and solicitors have been instructed. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I can release the name of the interested party - if it all goes according to plan.

"The party will lease the Siege House from Whitbread for a similar use as in the past."

Since the restaurant closed there have been fears that the building could be a target for vandals.

The Grade II listed building has bullet holes in the walls - scars from the siege of Colchester when the Royalists fired on it in 1648.

It was a grain and seed store for Marriage's Mill until the early 1970s and opened as a Beefeater in 1980 after renovations.

By Lisa Cockrell

Reporter's e-mail: lisa_cockrell@thisisessex.co.uk

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