Traditional Gravesend Pub Transformed Into Stylish Bar

Traditional pub The Grapes in Gravesend has undergone a £60,000 transformation into a stylish wine bar.

The extensive work at the town centre pub included repainting in contemporary, muted grey colours, laying new wooden flooring, reupholstering all the furniture, and refurbishing the bar area. The toilets have been fully refurbished, and there is new stylish décor throughout.
 
Outside, the pub has been repainted with the addition of new signwriting, and an etched glass panel stating The Grapes Wine Bar has been installed. A new patio seating area has also been created, sectioned off with new Victorian-style iron railings and covered with two new awnings.
 
It was a joint project between Shepherd Neame and licensee Arron Hawkes, who has run the pub for the past three years.

Arron, 35, said:

I grew up in Swanscombe, so I know the area well, and have worked in the hospitality industry since I was 17. I started at the Grapes as a manager six years ago, and really loved the place. It is in a great central location and I thought it had lots of potential, so when the opportunity to become licensee arose, I decided to go for it. I felt there was a market in the local area for a contemporary, stylish venue which offered premium drinks, focusing on wine and cocktails, and Shepherd Neame has provided amazing support with my plan to transform The Grapes. I am really pleased with the finished results, and we have already received fantastic customer feedback.