Pub operator and brewer, Brakspear is opening its first managed pub in London, the Pocket Watch in Shepherds Bush, which transfers across from its tenanted estate following a major refurbishment.
The pub, formerly called the British Queen, becomes Brakspear's seventh managed site. Brakspear have redeveloped it as a 'neighbourhood local', offering relaxed drinking, dining and entertainment for the growing number of young professionals living and working in Shepherds Bush.
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said, 'The demographic of Shepherds Bush has changed dramatically over recent years, creating an exciting opportunity for us. We've reinvented the pub from traditional boozer to 'third place', where customers can enjoy a drink or a quick bite, chat with friends and maybe watch some live sport.
'It's a community pub with a modern twist and we're confident it'll quickly become a favourite place to spend time in Shepherds Bush.'
The pub's traditional Victorian interior has been given a contemporary 'edge' by Brakspear's in-house design team. Elements reflecting its heritage, such as the etched glass windows and period colour palette, contrast with modern lighting and industrial chic furniture to create a uniquely stylish and welcoming environment. Super-fast broadband and ample charging points allow customers to spend time on laptops or tablets.
Guests will be able to select from a quality drinks range which includes Brakspear cask ales, a selection of premium draught and craft beers and ciders and premium spirits. The food menu, which changes every couple of months, includes small plates such as popcorn prawns and spam fritters, and large plates such as such as burger, steak, mac 'n' cheese and baked seabass. A small selection of desserts and cheeses complete the offer.
Entertainment includes big screen TVs, where sports fans, friends and families can watch big tournaments as well as less mainstream sports, with Aussie Rules football catering for the area's sizeable Australian population. Live music will also be a regular fixture.
The Pocket Watch is the third pub to join Brakspear's managed division this year, following the acquisitions of the George Hotel in Shipston-on-Stour in May and the Church Street Townhouse in Stratford-upon-Avon in October.
Brakspear's first managed pub, the Bull on Bell Street in Henley-on-Thames, opened in March 2013, followed by the Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, the Running Horses in Mickleham, Surrrey and the Chequers in Marlow. In September this year, Brakspear appointed Ed Turner as a non-executive director with a remit to help develop its managed pub division.