CLACTON seafront is to be royal once again with a revamped hotel and two new restaurants opening on the strip.

The historic Royal Hotel – which has been part-empty for more than a decade – will be resurrected alongside the new Royal Bar and Carvery, and Royal American Diner and Milkshake Bar.

It is hoped the venues next to Wetherspoons’ Moon and Starfish Pub, on Marine Parade East, will open at the start of April.

In total the units will seat about 300 people inside, excluding outdoor space.

Leaseholder Savvas Kounis will run the businesses with son Paul Kounis who together make up the family firm.

Mr Kounis said: “An American diner is a business I think that will work in that location. It’s right on the seafront which is a great position there and I think it will do well.

“We’re working hard to get the businesses open and the inside refurbishment has already started.”

During peak season, Mr Kounis estimated 25 jobs will be created in the town.

He added: “We’re not at that stage yet, but hopefully by the middle of February we’ll begin looking at recruitment.”

The north London businessmen have previously owned restaurants and snooker clubs throughout Essex and the capital.

In 2015 they also resurrected a Rileys snooker and pool venue in Northampton less than two weeks after it closed, re-opening it under a new name.

Paul Kounis has already relocated to Clacton with Savvas Kounis considering a move at a later date.

Clacton Town Partnership chairman Graham Webb can see the benefits of business people from outside Tendring investing in the town.

He said: “When a building has been empty for so long, beggars can’t be choosers. People have had an ample amount of time to do something with it.

“It’s also outward investment which can only be a good thing and, if they’re professionals who know what they’re doing, it has a greater chance of success.

“It would be a tall order for a beginner to take on a building like that.”

Nearby competition includes Graffeati, also an American diner and pizzeria, Charnallies, El Guaca and Prezzo.

Mr Webb added: “In the short-term, I hope it doesn’t harm those restaurants in the near vicinity but in the long-term, it will benefit Clacton’s image having a prominent building like the Royal Hotel back in business again.

“Along with the pavilion opposite, it will be the first time in years that Clacton will have a thriving seafront.”