Axe & Compasses

Following a terrible fire that gutted this beautiful Sixteenth Century pub in 2021, Kirsop and Strood’s, working alongside the owners Greene King and the Christou family who have been tenants for over 30 years, began 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.