THE brand new £2.6 million JD Wetherspoon pub and hotel set to open in Dovercourt has been named by Standard readers.

The popular pub chain put forward three choices for the name of its new establishment, which will see the transformation of the derelict former Co-op site in Kingsway.

JD Wetherspoon consulted local historians to draw up the shortlist, which included The Wheatsheaf, The Bottle Kiln and The London Tavern.

The votes of Standard readers have been counted and the winning name is The Bottle Kiln.

In total 96 votes were received, with 60 cast for The Bottle Kiln, 31 for The Wheatsheaf and just five for The London Tavern.

Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin said: “We are delighted that so many readers of the Harwich and Manningtree Standard took the time to vote for their favourite name for the new Wetherspoon pub.

“The Bottle Kiln was the most popular choice and that will be the name for the pub when it opens in Dovercourt.

“Wetherspoon takes great pride in its pub names and we look forward to seeing the name, The Bottle Kiln, above the door of the new pub.”

The winning name is derived from the former use of the site as a mill, which by 1881 consisted of 12 cement kilns, drying flue and 14 distinctive bottle kilns.

Richard Oxborrow, of the Tendring Campaign For Real Ale, said while his preferred choice was The Wheatsheaf, he is delighted to see the pub chain involve the community in such a way.

“It is nice that people have been given a choice and we welcome the new name,” he said.

“To see such huge investment in Dovercourt is also absolutely brilliant.”

Readers also came forward with several alternative names for the new pub.

Several people proposed The Victoria.

The pub and ten bedroom hotel is set to open on March 21 next year and will create 45 full and part-time jobs.