Official Launch for New Look City Centre Pub

The Monument in Canterbury celebrated its new look with a launch party on Tuesday, November 10. The historic pub in St Dunstan’s Street, which dates back to the 19th century, is owned by Shepherd Neame, which spent more than £100,000 on the refurbishment project.

Work included fully redecorating the bar areas and restaurant, which now has a contemporary look with new flooring, furniture and décor. The kitchen has been fully refurbished, along with the toilets, and the building’s exterior has also been repainted.

The Monument is the second Shepherd Neame pub to be taken on by husband and wife team Shaun and Gayna Murphy, who have been running the Chequers Inn at Doddington for the past seven months. The pair are continuing to work at the Chequers Inn, and Shaun’s son Jonjo is managing The Monument.

Since reopening last month, The Monument has introduced a new food menu, with a range of traditional pub classics and sandwiches available at lunchtime from 12noon to 3pm. There is a grazing menu available from 6pm to 9pm, Monday to Sunday, featuring sharing platters and a range of tapas-style small plates. There is also an extensive cocktail menu, featuring 43 different drinks, many devised by expert mixologist Jonjo.

Jonjo, 24, said:

We could see this pub had great potential, and are really pleased with its new look. Business is going really well, and we have received lots of great feedback from customers.”

Local dignitaries and residents were invited to the official opening event, with the first pint pulled by Reverend Mark Ball of St Dunstan’s Church, located opposite the pub.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame also attended the launch event, and to mark the occasion presented a cheque for £500 to charity CXK, which helps young people and families in the South East. CXK was chosen by Jonjo as his girlfriend Alex Cowley works for the charity as a Volunteer Co-ordinator, and she joined chief executive Sean Kearns to accept the cheque.