UK: Community pub to be reopened following a £ 56,000 refurbishment from brewer Shepherd Neame

Community pub The Royal Oak in Dover has reopened following a £56,000 refurbishment from brewer Shepherd Neame, the brewer announced on December 19.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame officially reopened the pub on Tuesday, 13 December joined by Sam Dunford, a regular at the Royal Oak for over 60 years. Robin Beresford accepted a cheque for £200 on behalf of the Dover Lions, the pub's nominated charity.

The mid-18th century flint building, in Lower Road, River, has been tastefully redecorated inside and out in keeping with the pub's traditional style. An exposed flint wall inside has been restored and spotlights installed to make it a design feature of the pub. A new seating area for customers has been created by moving the beer cellar, the kitchen has been enlarged and toilets refurbished.

Licensees John Clark and Chris Stewart collect funds for six local charities from donation boxes on the bar and a regular Wednesday night quiz for customers.

John said: "We've been inundated with customers recently. Our simple formula of good food, good beer and good company is really paying off".

The Royal Oak's menu ranges from simple sandwiches to monkfish and sea bass and to the more unusual - ostrich - freshly cooked to order.

21 December, 2005