Barrie Drewitt-Barlow speaks about Ocean's Braintree

Entrepreneur Barrie Drewitt-Barlow is the new owner of the grade II listed building, The Swan, in Bank Street, Braintree.

It’s now becoming a lavish restaurant and venue entitled Ocean’s Braintree, after the building was exchanged in May - the takeover will be completed on June 26.

Ocean’s Braintree will offer a fusion of Japanese and Caribbean inspired dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, and meat cooked to order.

Refurbishment pending - an image of the building when it was called The Swan (Image: Newsquest)

A figure between £1.5million to £2million will be injected into the building in order to give it a new lease of life.

The refurbishment work, which will start in the near future, will fix any major issues noted in a structural report and “make good on the years of neglect the building has suffered”.

Interior designers have been into the site to take measurements and a “fantastic” interior plan is in place which will keep the old heritage features of the building and mix it with new ideas.

The décor of the building will all be based about decadence, extravagance, theatrics and beauty, Barrie is promising it to be a “true feast for the eyes” where you can relax with friends and family.

Family - Barrie Drewitt-Barlow with his partner Scott, and their dog Uran (Image: Barrie Drewitt-Barlow)

Barrie said: “We are all excited.

“We want to make sure that we do it right though, we keep being told that Braintree is not ready for a high-class anything, but we just do not feel that is true.

“High class does not have to mean too expensive or out of your league, we don’t want Ocean’s to be out of people’s budget, which is why we will offer a 10 per cent discount to anyone with the blue link card.

“NHS, our police, firefighters, all deserve to be able to have a fun relaxing night with friends and family.

“We will offer promotions all the time to make if affordable for everyone to come and enjoy something a little different in the town.

“Braintree is a great town, Ocean’s is going to be the place to be seen and will be affordable to as much of the community as possible.”

Barrie is the investor of Ocean’s Braintree, and it will be spearheaded by executive chef and business partner, Ocean Chapman, from Braintree.

Making something special - Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Ocean chapman with executive consultant chef to Ocean’s Braintree, David Woodford, former Master Chef Asia runner-up (Image: Barrie Drewitt-Barlow)

Party - Scott, Barrie, Ocean, and Ocean's friend Chloe (Image: Dave Mansell)

Ocean met Barrie after appearing on Channel 5’s Rich House, Poor House, which filmed last year.

By the end of filming, Ocean and Barrie became firm friends.

Ocean’s Braintree is currently looking to employ roughly 30 fulltime floor and bar staff, and interviews will begin shortly.

It is hopeful that Ocean’s Braintree will be open for the “Christmas trade” period.