Harlow pub The Purple Emperor to reopen after ‘exciting’ £213,000 transformation

An Essex pub is set to reopen its doors at the end of this month after a major £213,000 refurbishment. The Purple Emperor in Momples Road, Harlow will reopen on May 26.

The venue is part of Proper Pubs, the community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, which has more than 165 pubs across England, Scotland, and Wales. Behind the bar are community heroes and passionate operators Richard and Karen (Kaz) Holloway, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience of the Harlow area, and in the hospitality industry.

Richard was born in Harlow and has been a resident his whole life, helping the couple to understand and cater to the needs of their customers. Proper Pubs say that combined with a fantastic understanding of the community, the pair has also been the managing the Purple Emperor for the past year, equipping them “with the knowhow to create the go-to community social hub”.

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The pub will undergo a significant transformation throughout, completely renovating the interior and exterior to provide a modern twist to a traditional pub. Inside, the pub has been transformed with refreshed flooring, a new back bar, and a complete redecoration of the function room to brighten the look and feel of the Purple Emperor. Outside the pub boasts brand-new signage and lighting, creating an inviting entrance for the community.

The opening night will be celebrated with an array of entertainment, including Essex-based act The Highwayman, who will play his biggest hits on Saturday night. Richard and Kaz are keen to create a lively community establishment for residents to enjoy and are working hard to “unlock the pub’s full potential”.

Richard said: “The pub looks fantastic, and I can’t believe the transformation. I’m really excited to get behind the bar, welcome back new and old customers and support our local community. We’ll be hosting charity events throughout the year to support local causes, starting off by collecting food for a local food bank, and gathering donations to get a defibrillator installed. Pubs are the hub of their community, and we can’t wait to be the hub of Harlow.”