SEAFRONT hotel in Clacton has been given a major £100,000 overhaul – creating up to 14 new jobs.

The renovation of The Esplanade, in Marine Parade East, has also seen the creation of a new fish and chip restaurant.

The bar, function room, cellar, and floors have also been revamped in an effort to create a community venue rather than just a hotel.

Hotel owner Bobby Rekhi said has been joined by John McNeill – better known as Johnny Mac – who has come out of retirement for the venture.

Johnny previously ran the award-winning Scooby Snax fish and chip shop in Brightlingsea, which changed its name to Johnny Mac’s Plaice following the threat of legal action over copyright.

“Bobby asked me to help him out when the American Diner at the hotel closed down,” said Johnny.

“His job is the hotel business and he wanted me to come in and take on the whole of the ground floor area which is the restaurant, function and bar area – my area of expertise.

“We have shared the £100,000 investment and hopefully this will help breathe new life into the Esplanade and we can play our part in the on-going resurgence of Clacton seafront.”

Mr McNeill said he expects to employ 12 to 14 people and has used local traders to help carry out the nine-week environmentally friendly refurbishment.

Mick Skeels, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, welcomed the investment and new jobs.

He said: “This is a further shot in the arm for Clacton’s rejuvenated seafront and tourism offer and I am delighted to see money being pumped into one of our hotels.

“A great deal of private sector cash is being spent on attractions such as Clacton Pavilion and Clacton Pier along with the revamp of the Royal Hotel and other buildings along the front.

“It all helps to give confidence to the industry and sends out the right message to our visitors.

“I think it is a great idea for the Esplanade to have its own traditional fish and chip restaurant run by one of the very best in the business and I hope they are very successful with this new venture.”

Johnny Mac Fish and Chips is due to open for business at the hotel on Saturday.