Sheps boosts pub with £700k refurb

Kent brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame has spent £700,000 refurbishing the Crown in Blackheath, south-east London.

The pub now has an extra trading room on the first floor, the King's Room, which has its own bar and far-reaching views over Blackheath. This is used as a

dining area but is also available to hire.

A state-of-the-art kitchen has also been installed on the first floor.

The pub's décor includes exposed brickwork, open fires, Victorian wall tiles, hand-painted mirrors and vintage wall fittings. There is also a snug area.

The original pub sign has been restored, and the outside seating area updated.

The revamp has increased the amount of beer pumps from three to five at the

16th-century pub.

Manager Keith Hedley said: "The bar has also been moved back about six feet, leading to much more floor space, and it has been altered from square to horseshoe-shaped. We have a new lobby and the whole place has a nice, homely atmosphere.

"It is a contemporary feel, but is still very much a traditional pub.

"It has always been a thriving pub and particularly busy at weekends. But now it definitely has the wow factor. People's jaws drop when they see it."

Shepherd Neame retail director Nigel Bunting added: "We are delighted to see the finished result at the Crown. It now has so much more to offer a wider selection of customers."

The brewery's chief executive Jonathan Neame also attended the re-opening.