The renovation encompassed all five floors of the pub, loctaed in the City of Westminster, including the installation of more sustainable technology, such as a smart cellar and an all-electric kitchen.
Kitchen facilities at the pub have also been expanded, allowing for a new menu featuring a traditional Sunday roast and a signature roasted pork tomahawk dish, with locally sourced ingredients offered along with a new bar snacks menu.
Popular among locals, MPs, and tourists, the site also benefitted from an external refresh, with a new colour scheme featuring ‘Westminster Plum’.
The beginning of an era
Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are here to celebrate this £1.2m refurbishment, which ensures this pub is fit for the 21st century.
“This is a moment that makes Shepherd Neame very proud and, I hope, the industry too. I hope this is the beginning of a new and wonderful era for this outstanding pub.”
He added: “This industry, possibly more than any other, is about people – people make pubs. And the team here are so passionate about serving you.”
The renovations also included the introduction of a new main bar and updated signage.
Meanwhile, the original wood panelling of the venue has been enhanced and the entire building has been repainted.
The Queen Anne dining room on the first floor was redesigned and the Westminster Arms cellar bar also benefitted from a complete renovation.
Charitable contribution
Drinks wise, a wide range of Shepherd Neame beers, English wines, premium spirits (including 35 whiskies), a new cocktail selection, and Shepherd Neame’s Creekside Coffee are available.
All Party Parliamentary Beer Group chair and community and team Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi, officiated the first pint at the site.
She said: “It’s an honour to be here, and to join you in celebrating the reopening of this unique pub. This is a great place to come and meet people and be in each other’s company.”
The pub team is currently led by general manager Augustas Jankauskas and includes both new and long-serving staff members.
To commemorate the occasion, Jonathan Neame presented a £1,000 cheque to Maggie’s, a charity that provides free expert cancer care and support, chief executive, Dame Laura Lee.
