Re-opening a pub which has undergone a £1.4m makeover could be seen as a daunting prospect, but new Shepherd Neame general manager Gareth Griffiths is up for the challenge.
The price tag for the refurbishment of The Crown at Chislehurst was the biggest Gareth had dealt with in his career to date, but his previous hospitality experience in some of the capital’s busiest venues stood him in good stead.
The Crown recently opened its doors again to customers after a 12-week refurbishment, which included the installation of a bespoke bar, new orangery, and renovated outside space, as well as redecoration inside and out, including its nine luxurious rooms.
Gareth said: “I have re-opened a couple of pubs before, but never this big a refurbishment. It’s a challenge that I am happy to take on!
“The feedback on the pub itself has been amazing from everyone since it re-opened. The quality is there in every aspect of the project, and myself and the whole team are very passionate about making sure we reflect that in our offer. It is a really spacious building so there is so much potential — the size of the dining room is particularly impressive.”
The 37-year-old, who lives in Sittingbourne with his wife and two daughters, started out in the industry after moving to London following completion of a degree in photography.
The Crown at Chislehurst, which has undergone a £1.4m makeover
Working for Young’s, he spent five years working his way up to general manager, being promoted from deputy manager at the Wheatsheaf, one of Borough Market’s busiest pubs, to general manager at the Bunch of Grapes, London Bridge.
Before heading to Chislehurst, he had been running the Earl of Camden pub for the Stonegate Group, and one thing which attracted him out of central London — but still within a London borough — was the chance to work for Shepherd Neame.
“Working for an independent, family-run company was a major draw for me,” he said. “They are incredibly supportive and collaborative, so I have the opportunity to have a real say in how the business runs. I plan to do the investment Shepherd Neame has put into The Crown justice, by providing super-efficient service.”
His move to Chislehurst has also proved a boon for family life as, being on the edge of Kent, it is just a 30-minute journey either way for wife Karolina to bring their daughters to visit, and for his commute. The pair share a mutual love of hospitality as it brought them together initially — they met through Gareth’s first job in a pub when he moved to London.
The Crown is nestled on the edge of Chislehurst Common and, to coincide with its new look, a new menu is on offer, using seasonal produce to refine and re-imagine British pub classics. The pub offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as light bites or sharing platters.
