If a man dressed as dandy highwayman jumped out in front of your vehicle, and demanded you “stand and deliver“, chances are you’d think you were being mugged.

But at the Gardeners Arms in Loughton, instead of referring to daylight robbery, Stand and Deliver is the pub’s new acoustic club night.

Since opening its doors for the first time in August 2012, according to organisers, Stand and Deliver has gone from strength to strength.

“We really didn’t know what to expect when we opened,“ says club compere and promoter Roy Tyzack. “But from week one, we have had a stream of talent of the highest calibre through our doors.

“We welcome acoustic musicians of all standards to stand up and do a spot.“ The club night is held on the second Tuesday of each month. The next show will be held on February 12 and includes Rick Christian, a highly talented solo performer and former presenter of BBC Essex’s Folk Scene, popular acoustic trio Where’s Spot, and one of the club’s own discoveries, Lloyd Taylor (below). Co-promoter and resident musician, singer-songwriter Pete Hunt, from Loughton, will also join the bill.

“Our line-up has matched those of some of the very best music venues,“ says Pete. “We are proud to have nurtured some new emerging talent as well as giving some of the county’s well-established musicians a platform for their music.“ Stand and Deliver is at The Gardeners Arms, York Hill, Loughton, on February 12, from 7.30pm. Details: 020 8508 1655