DRINKERS can now raise a toast to Princess Charlotte in the first ever pub named after the Royal tot.

The McMullen & Sons pub, in Stanway’s Stane Park development, has started serving punters and is already proving a hit with regulars.

The Princess Charlotte bears the name of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s second child and is the first in the country to pay homage to the Royal youngster.

Gazette: princess charlotte pub

It was hoped the bar staff could pop a cork of Champagne when the Princess was born – but the Stane Park scheme was hit with a two-year planning delay after Colchester Council threw out the proposals, which also included a Nando’s, KFC, Bella Italia and a Costa.

Gazette: File photo dated 17/07/17 of the Duchess of Cambridge carrying Princess Charlotte, who will attend Willcocks Nursery School in January. 2018 will be a bumper year for the royal family with a royal wedding and a royal baby. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue d

Picture: Press Association 

Developer Churchmanor Estates was eventually given permission by a planning inspector in summer 2016.

Gazette: princess charlotte pub

Owners have now confirmed they will invite the famous family of Kate, William, Charlotte and brother George to give their Royal seal of approval.

Managing director Heydon Mizon said: “We aim to treat every guest like royalty at the Princess Charlotte and this would, of course, include the princess herself.

Gazette: princess charlotte pub

“The pub had been due to open shortly after Princess Charlotte was born.

“The baby wasn’t at the mercy of a lengthy planning delay and so arrived on time, the pub however was significantly overdue.

“McMullen’s has been brewing beer, operating pubs and looking after our pubs for more than 190 years.

Gazette: princess charlotte pub

“With this in mind, we try to select names which are interesting, relevant to the time or place that a pub is built and that will stand the test of time.”

Sporting a regal pub sign inspired by the Royal Coat of Arms, the establishment stocks traditional English ales and serves up traditional pub grub such as burgers, chicken and curry.

The pub is the second of the brewery’s named after a royal baby with the Prince George recently opening in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

Gazette: princess charlotte pub

Last year, developers Churchmanor Estates announced further £2.6 million plans which would see B&Q, Marks and Spencer Food Hall and Aldi opening on the retail park, which will be built near to the pub.