The 1700s pub will close for renovations. It aims to revive key aspects of historic property for a late March reopening.
Pete is the new owner, and he also runs The King’s Arms in Bexleyheath, so he knows pubs. He wants to make The Star special. Pete plans to keep its history alive.
They’ve been working since January, and the pub is now closed for a big makeover. Pete said it will reopen in late March.
Pete told the News Shopper about their plans, sharing that they aim to finish the main work by then. Pete feels they already have a good start on the project.
They’ve refined the menu recently and tested the new dishes, too. This helped the kitchen staff practice making the food look good. It also helped in getting feedback on the new food.
Most feedback was very positive, but they tweaked a few things. One dish was not good enough and they won’t serve it at all.The team now has a solid understanding of the new food and drinks that they will offer in late March.
Work started on the building itself, with the priority of restoring original features. A pergola is returning to the front, as it was part of the pub in the 80s. They are also fixing the back steps, which parties will use in the future.
Pete wants to respect the building’s history, aiming for it to feel like its older self. The spaces will feel more open, as well.
They aren’t removing walls, so it’s not a huge change, but they’re opening glass panels and doors, which were previously boarded up. The pub will feel fresh and match the building better.
Pete is particularly excited about the entrance. Removing panels revealed a hidden staircase, previously blocked off. They restored the glass, which significantly changed how the space feels.
They opened a sealed door as well, located on the other side of the entrance. These two changes alone made a big difference, and the space feels brand new now.
The idea for the back bar also went through changes. They took down part of its structure, deciding not to put it back up again.
Pete decided that the bar should be redesigned on the spot, and this will open the space up. The bar will feel more like he originally hoped, and it makes a lot of difference.
The flooring will change a lot, with old white tiles being replaced. The new floor will better fit the overall aesthetic of the building.
The colors will matter a lot too. They are using heritage tones, and these bold colors complement the pub, giving it a grand feeling.
The designers are excited, Pete said, because they rarely work in such grand places. They get to use bold colors now, as most places use bland colors. The new colors will definitely make the space feel grander.