An historic Greenwich pub is set to reopen after a six-figure refurbishment in an area that has seen 76 pubs disappear over the past 20 years. 

The Kings Arms, in Greenwich, has been decked out inside and out in “traditional” style after being shut for four weeks.

Based near Greenwich Park, the pub hopes to become a hotspot for locals after it was fitted with oak panelling throughout as well as a brand new bar, new seating areas and a fresh-look courtyard. 

The news is a beacon of hope for the pub industry in the area, after recently published statistics showed it had lost nearly a quarter of all drinking establishments over the past two decades. 

The Kings Arms first opened in 1891 and, since then, has been a mainstay in Greenwich, where it even doubled up as a bunker during the Second World War. 

It has space for up to 160 customers.

The pub’s manager Sarah Hirsch said: “The Kings Arms is a staple part of Greenwich life and its history and it’s great to see it get a new lease of life following our refurbishment, which will make it feel like a home from home for our customers. 

"After four weeks of being closed, myself and the team cannot wait to welcome old and new customers back and I’m sure they will love our new look.” 

The Campaign for Real Ale has consistently called for the pub industry to be given more support, with several boozers struggling to reopen following closures during the Covid pandemic. 

It has welcomed the news that more places are opening as the country returns to normal, but stressed there is a lot more that needs to be done to protect traditional pubs. 

Its chairman Nik Antona said: “Whilst there is some encouraging news about new pubs opening, there is still a big problem with pub businesses not reopening after the pandemic.  

"With the cost of living crisis affecting consumers, and the cost of business crisis facing our pubs, brewers and cider makers, we are really concerned that the positive news from our 2021 figures will turn into a nightmare report for 2022.  

“Pubs are not only vital employers, but they are key to community life up and down the country – bringing people together and tackling loneliness and social isolation. 

“Governments across the UK must do more to make sure pub businesses can survive the cost of business crisis, and that consumers can still support their local pubs at a time when household budgets are being squeezed.”

The group has campaigned for a cut in VAT on food and drink and “fairer business rates” for pubs. 

With the rise of internet shopping, it has also called for an online sales tax to ensure these businesses “pay their fair share too” and the burden isn’t passed onto the hospitality industry.

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