A much-loved family pub is set to reopen again after being closed for almost five months.
The Cross Keys on St John’s Road will officially reopen on Friday August 25, just in time for the bank holiday weekend.
On their new Facebook page, the pub wrote: “So excited to say all our hard work has paid off and the Cross Keys will be open on Friday 25th. Look forward to seeing you all.”
The Cross Keys has been taken over by Matthew and Lucy Hoy, who also own The Fish Works on Camden Road. The pub closed in April after the previous landlady passed away.
On taking the helm of the community pub, Mr Hoy told the Times: There are not many pubs in Tunbridge Wells, and we didn’t want to see another local pub lost.
“It has been around for such a long time and we wanted to know how we could get involved, so after speaking to the brewery, we were happy, and we went for it.”
Speaking on the struggles of opening a pub during a time of economic pressure, Mr Hoy said: “It is tough out there but if you become a destination, which is what we are trying to do, then you become a reason for people to come to you.”
With that in mind, Mr Hoy explained how he has completely transformed the pub while keeping it close to its roots.
“It’s a traditional pub and we are sticking to that,” he continued.
“We are not a bar or a restaurant, we are a pub, but it is going to have a new, fresh modern look which I think will make the place nice and vibrant.
“I think we have a lot of things that other pubs in Tunbridge Wells don’t have, like parking, a beer garden, an event space, and a dedicated children’s area.
“On opening day, we are going to have music, food, and a bit of a party.
“Then our plans for Sunday are to have a full hog roast dinner and Monday will be a family day.”
