Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has reopened its historic pub in the beating heart of Blackheath Village, The Crown, following a £750,000 transformation.
The former 16th century coaching inn has undergone a seven-week refurbishment which has introduced a stylish new look and feel while also lovingly retaining its unique features.
The pub’s traditional heritage has been celebrated throughout and now has a fresh, modern take on Edwardian décor, with a rich palette of dark blues, browns and vintage-inspired floral wallpapers.
Welcoming drinkers in, as well as surveying the refurbished outside seating area at the front of the pub, is a new traditional swing sign featuring a crown, the design for which took its inspiration from vintage signs on display inside Shepherd Neame’s Old Brewery Store at its Faversham brewery.
The Crown has been fully redecorated inside, with gleaming newly-sanded floors, imposing fireplaces, and leather benches, along with Edwardian tiling and rich, floral fabrics on the upholstery, providing a classic but contemporary feel.
There is a nod to Shepherd Neame’s long brewing history, from the introduction of period pump clips right down to the vintage beer mats featuring The Crown’s new logo.
There are now period tiles in burnished tones on the ceilings, in keeping with the atmosphere of a traditional London pub, while a piano has been installed in the side bar area to be used for weekly sing-a-longs – and impromptu customer performances!
Outside, the building has had a stunning refresh, with a standout gold theme incorporated in the brewer’s logo and crowns around the site.
More local artistry has also been employed by James Titcher of Aero Arts Graffiti who has decorated an external wall with a quirky depiction of an off-duty royal sentry, enjoying a pint.
The project has also seen a new lease of life for the first floor area, which has been crowned with the new name of the King Charles III Dining Room, as a tribute to the new King following his coronation last year, named through a competition which was won by Crown regular Lee Tester.
As an authentic home of real ale, the pub will serve a wide selection of award-winning craft ales on draught, in glass and pewter tankards.
And helping ensure an ice cold beer for customers is state-of-the-art energy efficient equipment now installed in the cellar.
Customers can enjoy a wide range of ales and lagers, including one of Shepherd Neame’s Classic Collection draught keg beers, Bishops Finger, along with premium wines and spirits.
A delicious new menu of homemade traditional bar snacks and pub classics has also been introduced, but with a contemporary twist, using the finest locally sourced produce.
Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine, said: “This stunning refurbishment of The Crown, Blackheath, is part of Shepherd Neame’s ongoing investment in our estate.
“We have drawn on our history as Britain’s oldest brewer to bring a new look to a popular pub in a perfect part of Blackheath Village, which is a spectacular mix of old and new. We look forward to welcoming customers back in for them to admire the work we have put in over a pint.”
The pub, led by General Manager Jan Mullerson, reopens to customers this evening (Friday, February 23), while an official opening, led by Chief Executive Jonathan Neame, with local dignitaries and charity representatives, will be held on Wednesday, February 28.