The owners of a dilapidated pub left vacant for more than five years are still vowing to reopen it – but only with the right tenant in place.
The Cross Keys in Canterbury, which dates back to 1695, has become an eyesore since the turn of the decade and has been sitting dormant since closing in December 2019.
The Oaten Hill pub was forced to shut when a huge hole and 20ft deep shaft opened up in the toilet floor, leading to “danger keep out” signs being posted on the Grade II-listed, 17th-century building.
Despite pub chain Star Pubs and Bars earmarking the site for a £650,000 revamp after taking over the venue from Punch Taverns earlier that year, it has been boarded up ever since.
There were hopes it would reopen in 2021 when Star Pubs, part of the Heineken group, revealed plans and secured permission for its makeover.
A year later it was revealed a potential tenant was being lined up.
However, this deal has since fallen through, and the historic boozer continues to gather dust.
But bosses at the firm say Star Pubs is very much committed to reopening Cross Keys – but will hold off until finding a new tenant to ensure there is a joint vision for the pub’s future.
Any new incoming operator will be expected to have “significant experience in the hospitality industry” and to fork out a minimum of £72,509 upfront – to help fund renovation costs – and pay an annual rent of £44,500.
Almost £48,000 of that will be put aside for fixtures and fittings, with a new bar and beer garden high on the list of priorities.
Flatscreen TVs, improved lighting, fresh signage and new decking will also be on the agenda.
Star Pubs bosses say their plans for Cross Keys will make it “the go-to premium local in the area”.
A spokesperson for Star Pubs said: “We are still very keen to give the Cross Keys, Canterbury a new lease of life and we are working hard to find the right operator who shares our vision for the pub to come on board and support our significant investment plans, which will see it tastefully refurbished with an injection of modern character.
“Situated just outside the old city walls in Canterbury, the Cross Keys is an incredible business opportunity for an ambitious operator who wants to see it thrive once more.”
The business is also preparing to refurbish the Canterbury Tales pub, opposite the Marlowe Theatre, following its closure earlier this year.
Offering the boozer out on a management agreement deal, meaning Star Pubs pay the bills and gives a tenant a portion of the sales to cover staff costs, any potential tenant would be asked to pay £4,000 upfront.
