The £1.3 million transformation of Shepherd Neame pub The Woolpack in Banstead, Surrey, was marked with a launch party on Monday evening (December 16).
The Woolpack, based in the village’s High Street, was closed during the major three month project. It involved remodelling the pub layout and redecorating throughout, with stylish new décor and lighting aimed at retaining the pub’s warm, traditional feel but with a quirky modern touch.
The toilets were moved to a new first floor extension, allowing the size of the kitchen to be doubled. The kitchen now has an open pass, allowing customers to watch the team at work and speed up the delivery of food.
Work also included extending the restaurant at the rear of the building, doubling its size. The restaurant has new bifold doors which lead out to the terrace and garden which has also been remodelled, with a new glazed pergola, new outside bar, garden furniture and lighting.
At the front of the pub, the entrance has been made more attractive by removing the high hedges and introducing a turfed area surrounded by a low white picket fence. The pub exterior has been painted and a new bespoke swing sign created.
Local dignitaries and residents were invited to the official opening event, with the first pint pulled by David Mahoney. Retired solicitor David, 63, lives locally in Belmont and has been drinking at The Woolpack for 30 years. He said: “The Woolpack is a place I always feel at home, so I was very pleased to be asked to pull the first pint. I really like the pub’s new look. Shepherd Neame has done a great job.”
Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame attended the event, and to mark the occasion presented a £1,000 cheque to local charity the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, which helps retired seafarers and their dependents.
Jonathan Neame said: “Our creative team has done a fantastic job in the transformation of this pub, and we are delighted with the finished results. We are confident that with its expanded facilities and stylish new look, The Woolpack will continue to go from strength to strength.”
The Woolpack is open from 11am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 12 noon to 10.30pm on Sunday.
Find out more at www.woolpackbanstead.co.uk
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For further information please contact Public Relations Manager Kathryn Tye on 01795 542259 or email ktye@shepherdneame.co.uk or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk