The Leicester Arms in Penshurst, Kent is set to close for a major refurbishment later this month, reopening in early 2024 with a new look under Little & Large Pub Company.
The pub, located on the village High Street, is already a popular dining and drinking spot. Now, owners Brakspear are giving the historic building a serious facelift in partnership with Little & Large Pub Company.
Little & Large are the team behind The Running Horses near Dorking, which earlier this year was named ‘National Pub of the Year’ in a competition open to pubs across the country.
Refurbishment of The Leicester Arms will retain the charm and character of the Grade II listed building, while also opening it up to create more open, informal spaces for drinking and dining. The pub’s 13 en-suite bedrooms will also be revamped to give them a more contemporary, boutique hotel feel.
The Leicester Arms has built an excellent reputation for quality food and the Little & Large team will be looking to build on that. The menu will offer ‘something for everyone’, with delicious dishes created from the finest ingredients and a focus on seasonal and local ingredients where possible.
Little & Large founder Manu Bhatt said: “We’re excited to be taking on The Leicester Arms; it’s a fantastic pub with huge potential and ticks all the boxes for us.
“Our goal at all our pubs is simple – every day, we strive to give our guests the best possible experience, whether they’re dining, drinking or staying with us.
“It’s great to be refurbishing the pub at the outset so that the design can reflect the way we want to run it: informal, friendly and flexible.
“We can’t wait to open the doors on the new-look Leicester Arms early next year and welcome returning and new customers to enjoy our pub.”
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies added: “We couldn’t be happier about Little & Large taking on The Leicester Arms. Under their management, The Running Horses has gone from strength to strength, thanks to their focus on high standards and outstanding customer service.
“We’re happy to be working with them on their second Brakspear pub and confident it will also be a huge success.”
