Pub reopens with a ‘posh’ new look

An historic pub has reopened with a “very posh” new look after being closed for almost two months for refurbishment.

The Woolpack in Tenterden high street has been treated to a makeover by owners Hush Heath Hospitality, which has spent about £350,000 on the transformation.

Dating back to the 15th century, the oak beamed-hostelry has been given a more open-plan layout downstairs.

General manager Elsie Innes said: “The restaurant has had quite a bit of work done.

“It used to be two rooms and you had to duck your head down to go between them but now the space has been opened out.”

Creams, greens and greys have been used to lend a contemporary boutique feel to the pub, which has been freshly painted and has new carpets and wooden flooring.

Two downstairs toilets have been completely refurbished with new sanitaryware and flooring.

Upstairs, a master suite has been added to the character pub, which contains a king-sized bed, bathroom and two additional rooms within the suite, one with twin beds and the other with a double sofa bed.

Suitable for family stays, the addition of the suite means there are a total of seven rooms available at The Woolpack.

Work has begun on events venue the Woolpack barn, where a kitchen and toilets are being added as part of the upgrade, but poor weather has delayed an overhaul in the garden until the springtime.

Elsie said: “It all looks very posh in The Woolpack now and the attention to detail is lovely.

“Customers have been very complimentary and the new restaurant with its gorgeous new menu has been very well received.”

The Woolpack manager Elsie Innes and assistant manager George Wilkin

The pub has been freshly painted and has new carpets and wooden flooring

Pictures: Andy Jones The refurbished rooms have been named after Hush Heath wines as part of the revamp