STUNNING £800,000 REFURBISHMENT REVEALED OF WEST END PUB WITH BOXING HERITAGE, THE TOM CRIBB

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has unveiled a knockout transformation of its West End pub, the Tom Cribb.

Just off Leicester Square in central London, the 18th century pub - a perfect spot for pre or post-theatre drinks - is named after bare-knuckle boxer Tom Cribb, who became a world champion and ran the pub when he retired from the sport.

Situated on Panton Street, the attractive building with a Victorian façade, has been lovingly restored over 12 weeks, bringing it up to date for 21st century city drinkers, while also retaining its unique features and boxing heritage. 

The £800,000 renovation has seen the pub redecorated outside, giving it a refreshed and inviting look, while inside internal improvements include renovation of the bar and a change to the layout, creating a more open plan feel.

Decoration has been carried out using a palette of rich greens and burgundies, as well as Victorian style tiling, to create a classic yet contemporary feel.

Memorabilia paying tribute to the pub’s namesake, who ran the pub when it was called the Union Arms in the 19th century, has been given pride of place.

The project has also seen the first floor given a new lease of life as a dining room and function room, with a London club-inspired feel to it. The toilets have also been relocated upstairs, and a new kitchen has been installed.  

In keeping with the pub’s refreshed look and feel, there will also be a new menu, available in the bar area and upstairs, as well as a bespoke cocktail menu, to ensure drinkers and diners are well catered for.

There will be a selection of delicious classic pub dishes, including fish and chips with Whitstable Bay batter, as well as a new range of homemade pies, which customers can choose to be served with creamed mashed potatoes or chips, and gravy or pie liquor, a traditional Cockney accompaniment.

And there will be some succulent bar snacks, such as sausage rolls and scotch eggs.

Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine, said: “The Tom Cribb is a well-loved London pub, situated in a superb location, right in the heart of London. It has long held a strong association with bare-knuckle boxer Tom Cribb – once one of the most famous men in the country – and we are delighted to conserve and honour that legacy as part of this stunning refurbishment.

“The Tom Cribb may be small, but it is now punching above its weight in terms of its offer for London drinkers and diners! We look forward to welcoming many more in to see the work we have carried out and enjoy our new offering.”

You can find the Tom Cribb at 36 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4EA, call 0207 839 3801 or visit www.tomcribblondon.co.uk.