The future of a pub which has been shut for six months has been revealed as its owners unveil major refurbishment plans.
The Orange Tree, in Wilmington, near Dartford, is set to undergo a £200,000 transformation to bring the listed building up to date while paying homage to its history.
The pub is set to undergo a £200,000 refurbishment. Picture: Shepherd Neame
The main bar will be renovated, along with the saloon bar, which will have a wood burner as its centrepiece, with a mix of refurbished and new furniture throughout, including in its parlour and lounge.
Outside, new planters and seating will be introduced on both the forecourt and back garden.
Once the project is completed, the public house, in Hawley Road, will be able to host around 60 people.
Shepherd Neame, which owns the pub, is also looking for a new, experienced licensee to take over the reins when it reopens.
Area business development manager for the pub company and brewer, Bart Nelson said: “The Orange Tree is a fantastic pub with great potential, and we want it to be the best community pub in the area.
Business development manager Bart Nelson at The Orange Tree. Picture: Shepherd Neame
“We are looking for someone with experience and real drive, ideally who knows the area well, who is looking for a new challenge.”
The family and dog-friendly pub was a buzzing community centre when it was open, with regular live music and charity fundraising events, but has been closed for six months while the plans for its transformation were finalised.
Bart added: “The Orange Tree has always been a great community pub and has been missed while it has been closed.
“We look forward to finding a tenant who will welcome customers back in and really make the most of the pub’s potential following this major investment.”
It has been closed for around six months. Picture: Shepherd Neame
An open day for prospective tenants is due to be held in the coming weeks. To find out more or arrange to view the pub contact Shelley Castle on scastle@shepherdneame.co.uk.
The independent pub firm recently spent £120,000 refurbing the nearby Horse and Groom pub in Wilmington.
Manager Tina Hunt said the team focused on being environmentally friendly and opted to repurpose a lot of the boozer’s existing furniture during the makeover.