East Ilsley pub re-opens following £650k makeover

The Crown and Horns pub in East Ilsley has been closed since August whilst refurbishment work was carried out.
The seventeenth century coaching house has retained its traditional character with log fires and exposed oak beams and the 11 bedrooms have also been upgraded, each one en-suite and individually designed with bespoke digital wallpaper using images of the local area, such as the Newbury Racecourse and Donnington Castle.
Outside, the kitchen courtyard has been improved and external signage has been updated to reflect the pub’s traditional style.
And to complement the new look, The Crown and Horns now has a new team behind the bar.
Former West Berkshire resident, Rob Smethurst, has recently returned to the area to take over the pub.
Although this is the first pub that Mr Smethurst has run he has a background in hospitality and has worked for Youngs Brewery as well as run several independent restaurants.
He said that he was looking forward to welcoming some old and new customers back to the Crown and Horns.
Managing Director of Redcomb Pubs Ltd, Dan Shotton, said: "We could recognise the pub’s potential for providing local residents with hearty meals and quality ales in a homely and friendly environment as well as offering boutique rooms for business and leisure travellers."