Ringing In The Changes With £300K Refurbishment For Essex Pub

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame reopened historic Essex pub The Bellhouse, following a three week, £300,000 transformation.

Built as a hunting lodge around the 16th century, The Bellhouse in Leigh-on-Sea was acquired by Shepherd Neame in 2022. During the recent renovation project, its team have taken care to retain and enhance the pub’s original features while creating a fresh, stylish feel.

Work has included redecorating throughout in warm colours and reupholstering all the furniture in soft tartans and velvets. The pub’s herringbone wooden floor has been restored, brightening the dining area, and its restaurant carpet has been replaced with a more contemporary design. The main bar has also been refurbished, including refinishing all its classic brass fixtures and fittings.

An eye-catching new swing sign has been introduced, featuring a real bell, and the pub is being completely repainted, with the finishing touches expected to be completed at the start of December.

The spacious pub has a large patio area and garden perfect for alfresco drinking and dining, while during the colder months customers can relax by the open fires in the bar and restaurant areas. It is also a popular function venue, able to cater for up to 200 guests with a range of delicious buffet options available.

To coincide with the pub’s reopening, Head Chef Simon Spooner and his team have introduced a new menu celebrating the best local and seasonal produce. Pies are a speciality, with a variety of delicious options - many incorporating Shepherd Neame’s award-winning craft ales and lagers - including Steak Shin and Bishops Finger Ale Pie, and Chicken, Ham Hock, Leek and Whitstable Bay Blonde Pie. Other menu highlights include the popular classics Haddock and Chips with Whitstable Bay Batter, and Ashmore Cheeseburger using Kentish Ashmore Cheese. There are also a tempting range of puddings on offer including Warm Double Chocolate Fondant with Shepherd Neame’s exclusive Creekside Coffee Ice Cream, and Clock House Farm Black Cherry Frangipane Slice using fresh Kentish fruit.

An extensive selection of Shepherd Neame’s beers are available, along with a selection of acclaimed English wines, along with premium spirits and cocktails.

Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine said:

“We are delighted with the new look at The Bellhouse, and General Manager Athena Sigismondi and her team have already reported a fantastic reaction from customers. Our aim with this project was to really showcase the unique character of this stunning pub, while keeping its warm, traditional feel, and we are confident that it will continue to go from strength to strength.”