Shepherd Neame has re-opened its Guildford pub The Britannia, on the banks of the River Wey, following a £300,000 refurbishment.
The venue was officially re-opened by Sallie Barker, mayor of Guildford. She quipped about how she had been a barmaid at The Star Inn in the town — also a Shepherd Neame pub — 40 years ago. And she went on to confirm her bar credentials by expertly pulling the first pint.
“It is a great privilege for me to be here,” she said. “This is a place we use for so many reasons. People come to meet others, to celebrate, to sort out all of life’s problems over a pint and, for me, to recover from a few council meetings!”
Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame, told those assembled: “It is always a source of great pride for us at the brewery to complete a renovation like this. It is a real team effort, with all parts of the business coming together to create something really special.
Left: Guildford mayor Sallie Barker pulls the first pint at the newly-refurbished Britannia. Right: Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame, presents a cheque for £1,000 to Neil Wheeler, managing director of the Halow Project charity
“A lot of the investment we made here was behind the scenes, including a new kitchen, and the latest cellar technology, ensuring the beer in your glasses is served perfectly.
“We know how popular ‘The Brit’ is, as is it known locally, and we want to ensure that this fantastic pub remains at the centre of its community for many years to come.”
During the event he presented a cheque for £1,000 to Neil Wheeler, managing director of Guildford-based charity Halow Project, which supports local young people with learning disabilities into work, both paid and voluntary.
