Red Oak Taverns spends six figure sum on historic Dartford pub

Red Oak Taverns, the Mark Grunnell-led pub operator, has completed a six figure refurbishment of an historic Dartford pub.

The Cressy Arms in Hawley Road will focus on supporting local breweries and serving real ale, newly appointed licensee Mark Lewins, told The Morning Advertiser.

The pub, which was named after an armoured cruiser built for the Royal Navy around 1900, also plans to serve food for the first time in the coming weeks.

“The plan is to move more towards locally sourced real ale and start serving pizzas and gourmet burgers, which would appeal to people after the hours of 9pm,” said Lewins, who runs the pub with his wife Deana.

Over the past six years, Red Oak Taverns has built its portfolio from 32 to 170 outlets.

“We are now on the acquisition trail, having transformed many run-down pubs into thriving concerns in the heart of their communities,” said director Mark Grunnell.

“We’ve achieved this through investment and working together with our licensees, of which Mark and Deana are a perfect example… The fact that they are an experienced couple and know the area well, gives me great confidence that the new and improved Cressy Arms will be a fantastic asset and the hub of the local community.”