KICKING OFF THE CORONATION WEEKEND IN STYLE WITH A RIGHT ROYAL LAUNCH PARTY AT THE CROWN, CHISLEHURST

A right royal launch party kicked off the Coronation weekend in style at The Crown in Chislehurst on Friday, May 5.

More than 50 guests attended the event, held to celebrate the recent reopening of the pub following a £1.4 million transformation by independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame.

Set on the edge of Chislehurst Common in the leafy London Borough of Bromley, the pub, which dates back to 1874, has undergone a major 12-week renovation, with care taken to retain its unique character while introducing a contemporary look and feel.

Guests can relax in style in one of the seven newly refurbished boutique bedrooms, some with private balconies offering stunning views over the Common. 

And to coincide with its new look, a delicious new menu has been created, using the finest seasonal produce to refine and reimagine British pub classics with a modern twist. 

A number of new roles have been created following the refurbishment, taking the pub’s team to 25, led by new General Manager Gareth Griffiths.

As the event was held the day before the King’s Coronation, the launch party enjoyed a regal theme, with Union flags and other red, white and blue decorations around the pub, and Shepherd Neame’s limited edition Coronation Ale (4.8% ABV) available on the bar. 

Guests could also sample two new cocktails created for the occasion – the Royal Sherry Martini and the Royal Cherry – along with a delicious buffet including some dishes with a royal twist – Crown of Chicken, Royal Pie and Coronation Club Sandwich.

Those in attendance at the launch event included local dignitaries and residents, with the first pint pulled by Sir Bob Neill, MP for Bromley and Chislehurst. Sir Bob said: “I would like to congratulate Shepherd Neame on this impressive transformation of The Crown. Their team has successfully elevated the site’s offer while retaining its unique character, and I’m sure the pub will prove an incredibly valuable asset to our area.”

A toast to the occasion was given by the Mayor of Bromley Cllr Hannah Gray. Cllr Gray said: “It is great to see such significant investment in a local business, not only providing a boost for the pub itself, but supporting local suppliers and contractors.  Shepherd Neame has created a wonderful destination to drink, dine and stay in the heart of Chislehurst.”

Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame attended the event, and to mark the occasion presented a £1,000 cheque for the Chislehurst Commons charity to its Chairman John Hayhow. 

Jonathan Neame said: “We are incredibly pleased with the finished results of this project at The Crown, and were delighted to welcome guests to join us in celebrating its reopening – and in keeping with its regal moniker, also take the opportunity to begin the Coronation festivities! Gareth and his team look forward to welcoming back familiar faces and hopefully many new ones too during the coming months as they see just how much this stylish venue has to offer. We are confident that the pub will continue to go from strength to strength.”

You can find The Crown in School Road, Chislehurst, BR7 5PQ. To find out more, visit www.crownchislehurst.co.uk, call 0208 467 7326 or follow @Crownchislehurst on social media.