UK: Kent brewer Shepherd Neame is to spend in excess of £300,000 refurbishing a pub

Kent brewer Shepherd Neame announced on March 13th that it plans to spend in excess of £300,000 refurbishing a pub on the Isle of Sheppey and will re-open it as The Aviator in tribute to the area's unique place in the history of flying.

Britain's oldest brewer recently purchased the Lady Hamilton public house in Queenborough Road, Minster, for an undisclosed sum and has immediately set about ambitious plans to develop a comfortable and welcoming community local.

The pub will be closed for approximately six weeks while work takes place. A total internal redevelopment will create separate bar and restaurant areas, and additional toilet facilities and modern ventilation will be installed.

The interior design will feature artefacts relating to Sheppey's role in the early days of powered flight, recalling the exploits of pioneers such as the Short brothers, the Gordon Bennett air race; the Eastchurch Naval Flying School and the visit of Wilbur and Orville Wright to Leysdown in 1909.

Nigel Bunting, Shepherd Neame's retail director said: "The Aviator will provide a warm, friendly venue for the community as well as an attractive, welcoming place to eat and socialise. These are exciting times for the Isle of Sheppey and we're proud to be involved in its regeneration. In fact, this is the largest pub investment made on the island in recent years.

"A century ago, Sheppey was the place where British aviation really took off, and the theme of The Aviator will pay tribute to the pioneers of yesteryear."

Further work to the pub will include exterior decoration, an attractive terraced area at the front, and major improvements to the car park.

The work is designed with sustainability in mind, with fuel efficient boilers, low wattage LED lighting and a heat recovery system, which "recycles" energy from warm air leaving the building, providing fresh air, better climate control and increased energy efficiency.

The Aviator will be led by manager Phil Chislett, who formerly ran the White Horse & Bower in Westminster, another Shepherd Neame pub.

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