The Axe and Compasses in Arkesden, Essex, has re-opened more than a year and a half after a devastating fire burned the pub down.
Dan Robinson (right), managing director of Greene King Pub Partners, with Themis and David Christou, of the family running the pub
The pub was officially re-opened by Greene King Pub Partners managing director, Dan Robinson, alongside operators David and Emma Christou. Their family has run the pub business for more than 30 years.
In total, more than £1.6m has been invested to repair and reopen the Axe and Compasses, bringing it back to its former glory.
The pub’s historic chimney have been removed and rebuilt, brick by brick. The pub’s original floor has been rediscovered, too, and has now been conserved and relaid.
Modern technologies have been incorporated, though, including a heat pump and a solar thermal system.
“The clean-up and rebuild process has been long and arduous, but also exciting,” said David and Emma. “The pub has been lovingly restored and brought back to life, and we cannot wait to now welcome the community back in.”
