Posted: 13th October 2015
City Centre Pub Reopens After Major Makeover
The Monument in Canterbury has reopened with a stylish new look and new faces behind the bar.
The historic pub in St Dunstan’s Street, which dates back to the 19th century, is owned by Shepherd Neame, which spent more than £100,000 on the refurbishment project. Work included fully redecorating the bar areas and restaurant, which now has a contemporary look with new flooring, furniture and décor. The kitchen has been fully refurbished, along with the toilets, and the building’s exterior has also been repainted.
The Monument is the second Shepherd Neame pub to be taken on by husband and wife team Shaun and Gayna Murphy, who have been running the Chequers Inn at Doddington for the past six months. The pair will continue working at the Chequers Inn, and Shaun’s son Jonjo will manage The Monument.
Shaun said:
I grew up in the trade as my parents Bob and Doreen ran a Shepherd Neame pub, the Bonny Cravat in Woodchurch. They gave it up when I was 16, and I went on to launch my own painting and decorating business, but recently I decided it was time for a change. My wife Gayna was licensee at another Shepherd Neame pub, The Flying Horse in Smarden for six years, so we both had experience and decided to look for a pub together. When we found the Chequers Inn it was perfect, as it is a traditional community pub in a beautiful village setting, and we wanted to stay with Shepherd Neame.
They decided to take on a second pub after The Monument became available and Shepherd Neame offered them the opportunity to be involved with the major refurbishment project.
Shaun said:
My son Jonjo has been running pubs around the Ashford area for seven years and was looking for a new challenge, so it seemed a great opportunity. We could also see there was huge potential in The Monument, and we are thrilled with its finished look. We have already received lots of great feedback from customers.
Jonjo, 24, said:
It is really exciting to be my own boss, while also being able to call on my Dad for support. I studied at Canterbury College after school, so I know the city well, and am really pleased with how the business is going so far.
Since reopening last month, The Monument has introduced a new food menu, with a range of traditional pub classics and sandwiches available at lunchtime from 12noon to 3pm. There is a grazing menu available from 6pm to 9pm, Monday to Sunday, featuring sharing platters and a range of tapas-style small plates. There is also an extensive cocktail menu, featuring 43 different drinks, many devised by expert mixologist Jonjo.
Jonjo said:
My previous roles included holding cocktail masterclasses, and I have devised many of my own recipes, so it was something I wanted to offer at The Monument. We even worked with Shepherd Neame to specifically design the bar to include speed rails so that I could get quick access to cocktail mixes. Monday night is Cocktail Night, when we have lots of special offers.
Nigel Bunting, director of retail and tenanted operations at Shepherd Neame, said:
Shaun and Gayna have been doing an excellent job at the Chequers Inn, and I’m sure the family will ensure The Monument also goes from strength to strength.
For more information on The Monument visit the pub's website or call 01227 456665. For information on the Chequers Inn visit the website or phone 01795 886366.