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13th November 2023

Guild Member Invite: Reopening of the Royal Crown, Rochester

We are delighted to announce that as part of ongoing investment in Shepherd Neame’s estate, we are currently undertaking a £1.2 million transformational refurbishment of The Crown, Rochester.

Dating back to the 1700s, the Grade II Listed building boasts a central location near Rochester Bridge on the High Street, a short walk from Rochester Castle and the town’s station.

Our aim is to retain and enhance the unique features of this historic pub while also introducing a stylish look and feel. We are also planning to mark the relaunch by returning the pub to its original name, The Royal Crown.

Sport will remain at the heart of The Royal Crown, with the spacious first floor bar and restaurant area set to offer seven TV screens showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports, with further screens in the ground floor bar and restaurant.

It will also continue to cater for functions, with the first floor area, which can accommodate up to 100 people, available to hire. New private dining area, The King’s View, is also being created on the first floor for up to eight guests, offering stunning views of the River Medway.

Customers will be able to enjoy a delicious new menu of light bites and traditional pub classics with a contemporary twist, served every day.

A selection of award-winning craft ales and lagers will also be on offer, including our new Session IPA, First Drop, from our Small Batch Brewery, along with a wide range of premium wines and spirits.

The pub has been closed for the refurbishment since the start of September, and will be reopening to customers at the end of this month.

To celebrate the Royal Crown’s new look and offer, General Manager Tom Crackett and his team are hosting an exclusive launch event at the pub on Tuesday, December 12th.

It is taking place from 5pm to 7pm, with a presentation to be made by our Chief Executive Jonathan Neame at 6.30pm. Nibbles and drinks will be provided for guests.

We would be delighted if you could join us for this special event. Please let us know if you can attend by emailing your RSVP to royalcrown@shepherdneame.co.uk by Friday, November 24.