A 75-year-old who spent his entire working life at a car dealership which closed last year will be the guest of honour at a the opening of the restaurant which has taken over its premises.

Nando’s is one of three businesses filling the former home of Browns of Loughton, in Station Road, which shut its doors in October last year.

Joe Higgins, who worked at the firm for nearly 60 years and has never set foot in a Nando’s branch before, will officially open the restaurant on Wednesday.

He said: “I remember the building being built and it’s very strange to see other businesses in it.
“It would be nice to see more car memorabilia in the restaurant.”

However, the restaurant does have some car-themed interior design, with grills and outdoor furniture carrying images of car parts as a reminder of the building’s heritage.

Mr Higgins added: “I still speak to a few of my Brown’s colleagues.

“I would think we might meet up for a meal here sometime although some of them don’t like a lot of spice.”

Majestic Wine and Topps Tiles are also opening on the site.