Two friends from Welling have announced the opening of their second pub after working together for six years.   

Bonnie Tarleton, 29, and Ray Erwin, 46, will be the new owners of the Maxwell pub in Station Road, Orpington.

The couple have also been operating the Guy Earl of Warwick pub in Welling since last year.

Ray and Bonnie decided to search for another venue six months ago after seeing the “success” of their Welling pub.

Ray said: “The Guy Earl of Warwick has been a massive success since we opened, and this is all because of the support from the community.

“So, after seeing the Maxwell was available, we thought this was the perfect opportunity and I live near Orpington, so there’s that.”

Pub franchise, Greene King, announced plans to renovate the venue in early February, according to its website.

The pair exclusively told the News Shopper that they are excited to reopen the Maxwell on March 30.

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Ray said that although the pair are now opening the Orpington pub, they will still be operating the Guy Earl of Warwick.

He added: “I don’t want our Welling customers to worry, as we’re still here and will not be going anywhere.

“Me and Bonnie will be operating both between us, this pub (Guy Earl of Warwick) will always be our main home.”

A spokesperson for Greene King confirmed the refurbishment of the Maxwell is a part of its rollout of the company's new 'Hive pubs' scheme.

Ray confirmed that they will “upgrade” the Orpington pub by introducing a full food menu and show live sports.

He added: “We’re going give our everything for the Maxwell, like we are doing with our Welling pub.

“Food and live sports will be a massive thing that we do.

“It will be newly renovated inside and outside. The prices will not be too high as we know there’s the cost-of-living crisis.

“We just want a place for the community to come and enjoy themselves, a place where they feel as if they are home.”

A Facebook page has also been created to keep revellers updated with the opening of The Maxwell, which you can find at facebook.com/maxwellhotelorpington/

Greene King currently operates more than 2,700 pubs, according to its website.