Refurbished pub reopens after pandemic delays its big reveal
When the landlords of The Old House at Home pub in Maidstone town centre closed in February for a major refurbishment, they expected to be welcoming back customers a little over a month later.
But it wasn’t until last week that locals were finally able to see the transformation after the pandemic forced the Pudding Lane tavern to remain shut, just as it was about to reopen.
The five-month wait will have been worth it, however, with the pub undergoing a complete makeover.
The interior has been revamped from top to bottom, with a new bar, furniture, paintwork, flooring and toilets.
Outside, the signage has been replaced and the hanging baskets have been filled with fresh flowers.
It comes after the Craft Union Pub Company took over the drinking hole earlier this year.
One thing which hasn’t changed is those behind the bar, with landlords Jim and
Karen Rennie still in charge. They have run the venue since 1999.
Mrs Rennie, 51, said: “They’ve given it a lovely facelift - it looks stunning in here. When we walked in I felt like I was on a makeover show.
“We’ve kept quite a few ornaments and display bits that we had before.”
Food is no longer being offered at the pub but a wider range of drinks will be available.
Sports channels will still be shown but the usual live bands, karaoke and DJ nights will not return until it is deemed safe enough.
New regulations mean inside seating adheres to social distancing guidelines and table service is provided instead of at the bar.