Pictures: Pub openings - December 2015

Robinsons - The Crown

The Crown in Hawk Green has reopened following a joint investment from Robinsons Brewery and licensee Simon Hood.

Designers removed obstructing pillars to open out the drinking and dining areas, and a new low level snug area has been added.

The bar features four copper hand pulls, which aims to complement the rustic décor.

Original wooden beams and exposed masonry have been preserved, and the garden has seen a new planting scheme, seating areas and copper signage. 

Yummy Pub Co - The Stoke Newington Tea House

The Stoke Newington Tea House was opened by Yummy Pub Co on 11 December.   

The pub focuses on tea, and gave away 1,000 cups in the run up to Christmas.

The Tea House doesn’t have a bar, but does serve a specialist cocktail list of tea-based drinks.

It also features six hand pulls with rotating craft ales, as well as lagers, bitters and stouts.

The Tea House has been decorated with a vaulted bookcase displaying more than 100 styles of brews.

Guests can sample loose leaf, light, dark or green, subtle and strong, classic and fruity infusions which can be served in clay and metal pots.

There are many booths, which are complete with blankets for guests.

Stonegate - The Swan

Coaching inn The Swan, in Haslemere, Surrey, has been reopened by Stonegate after a £400,000 refurbishment.

Historic features have been restored in the building which has served the town since 1855.

Hanging peg tiled frontage and roaring open fires remain intact, and are now accompanied by modern interior décor.

Six cask hand pumps will give customers a rotating choice of local - from nearby breweries Upham, Hogsback and Surrey Hills - and national ales.

The Grapes

The Grapes, Mersyside, has seen a £500,000 facelift from Stonegate to combine historic 1880s features with a modern interior.

The pub features smart dining areas and lounge seating with comfortable armchairs, and an area to the rear of the pub is dedicated to sport.

The Castle Grounds

Castle pub in Coventry has been reopened by Stonegate as The Castle Grounds. The pub dates more than 300 years, and has seen a £300k refurbishment.

The pub opens at 8am for breakfast, and serves healthy option at less than 500 calories as well as traditional pub food.

It serves its own ale, The Castle Grounds, a 4% ABV golden pale ale from Jennings Brewery.

The pub has increased its range of cask ale and craft beers with ten taps on the bar.

Shepherd Neame - The Four Fathoms

The Four Fathoms in Herne Bay has reopened after a £210,000 transformation by Shepherd Neame.

The town centre pub dates back to the mid-1800s has been repainted, installed new flooring, and restructured and refitted the bar.

A snug area has been added with new furniture, aimed to be contemporary and comfortable.

The exterior courtyard also has new seating, fencing and plants.

The pub is offering food for the first time, so the kitchen has been refurbished, and a separate restaurant area had been added.

Timothy Taylor's

The Devonshire Grassington, in Skipton, reopened its doors after being purchased and renovated by Timothy Taylor’s.

The pub, which includes eight bedrooms, is one of nineteen owned by Timothy Taylor’s and will serve a range of the brewery’s ales.