A new pub and carvery officially opened on Dagenham’s former Sanofi site this morning – to the sound of bagpipes.

Barking and Dagenham Post: New pubThe Pipe Major, in Yew Tree Avenue, Dagenham, is celebrating its opening. with the Dagenham Girl Pipers.New pubThe Pipe Major, in Yew Tree Avenue, Dagenham, is celebrating its opening. with the Dagenham Girl Pipers. (Image: Archant)

The Pipe Major, in Rainham Road South, welcomed customers for the first time at a special ceremony serenaded by the Dagenham Girl Pipers.

Newly-appointed mayor Cllr Simon Bremner did the honours and cut the ribbon at the new tavern, which can cater for up to 180 diners.

Manager Joseph McDiarmid, 48, said: “It’s a whole new thing for Dagenham, to have a carvery, so it’s very exciting.

“Over the past few weeks people were pulling up in their droves to ask if we’re open so it’s nice to be able to welcome them in now.”

Owned by Marston’s, the one-acre pub will offer a daily carvery and has created 45 jobs.

“The feedback we’ve had so far has been very positive,” added Mr McDiarmid. “Everyone has been really interested.

“It’s exciting to be one of the first businesses up and running on the old Sanofi site.”

For more information, visit marstons.co.uk