There was some friendly sparring behind the bar as Shepherd Neame’s newly refurbished West End pub, the Tom Cribb, was officially reopened.
Barry McGuigan (centre) with Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame (left) and up-and-coming boxing star Alex Branson-Cole
Situated just off Leicester Square, the pub is named after bare-knuckle boxer Tom Cribb, who became a world champion and who ran the pub when he retired from the sport. The venue has undergone an £800,000 transformation.
The 18th century pub, which has boxing memorabilia on its walls and a new function room named after Cribb’s great rival, Bill Richmond, was re-opened by former WBA world champion Barry McGuigan.
He was joined behind the bar by Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame, and up and coming professional boxer Alex Branson-Cole. Both boxers live near the brewery’s home town of Faversham, in Kent.
“I was delighted to be invited to join the team for the opening of this unique pub,” said Barry. “It is very special now and always was, as far back as the 1800s, as Tom Cribb was one of the greatest fighters this country has ever produced.
“The pub is looking great and it was fantastic to see all the boxing memorabilia on show, including a photo from one of my own fights!”
Alex is the first professional boxer from Faversham in more than 60 years. Jonathan Neame presented him with £1,500 on the night to mark the start of a new sponsorship agreement.
Alex said: “I grew up and still live in Faversham, so it is extremely special to have Shepherd Neame joining me on this journey. The brewery has a long history within the town and a great reputation — the positive impact it has on the town is incredible. I hope to add to that and inspire the younger generation. I’m excited for what the future holds.
“The Tom Cribb looks fantastic, and it is great to see all the boxing memorabilia on show. I’m really excited to begin this new partnership with Shepherd Neame, and would like to thank Jonathan Neame and the team for their support.”
