MAJOR INVESTMENT TO REVITALISE HISTORIC OLD AMERSHAM PUB

A £277,000 refurbishment is starting next week to revitalise an historic Grade II listed pub in Old Amersham.

The revamp of The Eagle on the High Street in Old Amersham is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and will see Michael Taylor take the helm as the new licensee. It will transform the tired pub into a premium local with a great drinks selection, regular activities and a fantastic courtyard garden overlooking the River Misbourne.

Work starts on 29^th April and The Eagle will reopen by mid June. The investment will completely renovate the outside of the building – which dates back to before the 1700s* – bringing out distinctive architectural details and complementing the other buildings on the High Street. It will also turn the walled riverside rear garden into a lovely spot from which to enjoy views of the park behind. The makeover will include pretty planting, new furniture, festoon lighting and an arch for the bridge over the river into Barn Meadow recreation ground at the bottom of the garden. To cater for local dog walkers, The Eagle will be dog-friendly and will have an outside doggy bar serving bowls of water and treats for customers’ four-legged friends.

The project will upgrade the inside of The Eagle throughout, whilst retaining all its character and charm. The pub will keep its cosy layout and snugs, and features such as old stone floors, wooden beams and fireplaces will be restored and have pride of place. In keeping with the age of the pub, the smart new décor will have a classic feel incorporating heritage colours, button-back fixed seating and wood panelling. Pictures of The Eagle and Old Amersham over the years will adorn the walls.

With a number of food-orientated pubs already in the area, The Eagle will focus on being a great quality traditional local where people can enjoy socialising and a fantastic choice of drinks ranging from cocktails, craft beer and cask ales to premium wines and soft drinks. An overhaul of the cellar will add state-of-the-art dispense equipment to ensure consistently perfect pints, and fresh coffee will be served all day.

Other improvements include a full package of energy-efficiency measures to boost the pub’s sustainability.

Michael is planning a host of activities to bring The Eagle back to life and make it a hub of the community. On the cards are quizzes, movie nights, live music and stand-up comedy evenings. In addition, new screens showing Sky Sports will be installed so that local residents can gather to watch major tournaments, such as the Euros, together.

Michael discovered his love of pubs in his first job as a bar person during his college days and ran a pub in his twenties. He has since juggled careers in mental health and employment services with part-time work in pubs – both behind the bar and running an events company providing music and comedy acts. Says Michael: “I loved having my own pub and the satisfaction of seeing people having a good time. I always missed it and, after many years pursuing other careers, I wanted to get back to it. The Eagle was the first pub I saw when I started my search. I fell in love with it straight away and feel lucky to have found it. It’s a gorgeous old pub in a picturesque setting, and people have been incredibly welcoming and friendly. The Eagle is in need of TLC now, but will look amazing when the works are completed. By all accounts it has been much-loved in the past; I want it to be an asset to Old Amersham once again. I can’t wait to open the doors and welcome everyone in.”

Adds Rohan Miller, Star Pubs’ area manager for Buckinghamshire: “Michael has extensive experience in pubs and entertainment. We’re delighted to be joining forces with him to bring The Eagle back to life and give it the stability and investment it needs to thrive. The garden will be a focal point over the summer, and we’re working flat out to reopen The Eagle in time for the warmer weather and the Euros.”

*The front of the pub is 18^th century with an older building behind. It is believed to have been a beer house by 1856.