The Owl pub in Kingsfold, Horsham reopened with a brand-new look this August thanks to a mammoth £320k investment with leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
Anna Shopland, Management Partner of the popular Horsham pub, is renowned in the area for creating a real bond with the village and ensuring that the Owl truly sits at the heart of the community.
The recent investment has only further embedded the pub into the village, offering a brand-new look, new food menu and aesthetic which has received rave reviews from guests and locals alike.
Anna said: “I’ve been in The Owl for 18 months now, and I’ve been desperate to give the pub the TLC it so desperately needed. Our locals were promised a refurb back in 2019 so they’ve been patiently waiting for this transformation, and they couldn’t be happier!
“I’m delighted to say that the investment at the pub has encouraged more of the village in, and we’re seeing more and more new faces each day. We’ve got guests who haven’t been before but they’re booking in for Christmas Day! It’s a privilege and the team and I are beyond grateful for the community’s continued support.”
Closed for around four weeks, the investment and refresh were highly anticipated by locals who had voiced their opinions on the much-needed renovations, and to help build up the excitement, Anna and the team shared regular updates across their socials.
Anna added: “Because our guests are such a huge part of the pub, we wanted to give them regular updates and tease the changes and new additions. This helped to build the excitement and suspense – we even had some guests peeping through the windows! I’m thrilled that everyone is so happy with the outcome.”
The most noticeable changes were first seen outside, as the exterior of the Owl was completely transformed with new landscaping and a patio area offering the perfect space for alfresco dining in the summer months complimented by picturesque views over the Surrey Hills.
The new green space offers luscious greenery and planters with outdoor furniture as well as cosy seating on the new patio area which now features decorative lighting.
As part of the full transformation, the pub’s interior has also completely changed, but its charming characteristics and rustic country appeal have been retained. Its iconic wooden beams, flagstone floors and log burners have only been accentuated by the brand-new colour palette of bold colours that perfectly complement the oak furniture, cosy-cushioned corners and bric-a-brac.
The new addition of a cosy snug area also boasts leather chairs, floral décor and quirky ornaments, offering guests a quaint corner to unwind or enjoy a game of darts or chess.
The pub’s bar and kitchen have also been revamped, perfectly complimenting the ‘new’ pub’s aesthetic. The bar has been restocked to offer a tipple to suit everyone’s tastes, from real ales and craft beers to carefully curated cocktails and a broad wine list. Guests can dine-in and enjoy sumptuous suppers of beer-battered fish and chips, slow-cooked shoulder of lamb shepherd’s pie or plant-based wellington amongst cosy new surroundings.
Anna continued: “Now the investment is complete, we’re shifting our focus onto ensuring The Owl is as successful as it can be. To have a real buzz in the air every day and to take it to the next level. This is a fantastic pub that the whole community is proud of, it’s always been a good pub, but now we can elevate its platform even further and I’m excited to see what the future has in store.”
