Axe & Compass

Following a terrible fire that gutted this beautiful Sixteenth Century pub in 2021, we joined Kirsops and main contractor Strood’s, working alongside the owners Greene King and the Christou family who have been tenants for over 30 years, to begin this £1.6 million restoration project to restore this hugely popular pub to its former glory.

Adopted by Greene King as an environmental pilot study, we have installed a solar-thermal hot water system and heating supplied by air source heat pumps. Plus the use of lambswool insulation and lime plaster, this project sets out to prove what can be achieved within a listed building and moves towards Greene King’s net carbon goals.

During the process of stripping back the fire damage, an original block paved flooring was revealed under carpet and a layer of tarmac, cleaned and reinstated, framed by terracotta bricks either side. All remaining timbers have been ice blasted, whilst the opportunity was taken to open up the dining areas so guests have a view of the inglenook from almost every aspect of the room. A local thatcher was employed, using thatch that was grown within four miles of the pub further to enhance environmental goals.

A state-of-the-art kitchen has been installed and Dowsing & Reynolds bubble lights have been hung above window bays to create a glow that can be seen by customers when passing the pub. Cord and leather banquets create cosy seating throughout.

Fortunately, no one had been hurt in the fire, and villagers had valiantly formed a human chain to remove furniture and valuable items from the pub as it burned. All items were cleaned up and reupholstered by Ingar, ensuring the pub’s history remains, as well as providing talking points and interest to the room, like the glass jars of horse brasses displayed by the bar. Outside festoon lighting and comfortable seating make the terrace area popular in the spring and summer with walkers, cyclists and locals alike.

Customer feedback has been phenomenal, one comment being “It’s like the Axe & Compass but the Axe & Compass if it was in a movie”, as well as numerous customers who previously only sat at the bar, and now fight for the previously unloved cosy nooks in every corner of the pub.

The Axe & Compass opened 18 months to the day from the fire and has been phenomenally well received.