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Alma

A pub serving food with Sky TV in Strood.

Details

ALMA’S TRANSFORMATION PUTS FOOD BACK ON THE MENU

The Alma, formerly The Cricketers, at Alma Place, Strood, has re-opened following a £55,000 refurbishment by Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame.

Jonathan Neame, the company’s chief executive, joined licensees Barney and Sally Stone on Wednesday 31 January and presented a cheque for £200 for the Zoe Ripley charity, which raises money for a local paraplegic child, to Zoe’s father Joby Ripley.

Says Barney Stone, who returned to the pub last August having previously been licensee from 1994 to 1996: “The new-look Alma maintains a traditional pub feel, which suits our great mix of customers. It’s a family-friendly pub with plenty going on - we have four ladies dart teams and a golf society.” Barney and his wife have invested an additional £20,000 into the refurbishment.

Originally built in 1883, the pub’s interior and exterior have been completely re-decorated with new furniture and fittings inside. The public bar has a new bar counter, back bar and hard-wearing slate floor and the saloon bar now boasts comfortable seating areas around fireplaces and four ‘booth’ tables, which are particularly suited to family dining. Disabled facilities have been incorporated throughout the pub.

Behind the scenes, the pub’s formerly disused cellar has been brought back into use as a beer cellar and a catering kitchen has been created, allowing for bar food to be served throughout the pub with further plans to expand the menu later this year.

Ends

Picture caption (left to right): Chief executive Jonathan Neame, Joby Ripley, father of Zoe Ripley, and licensees Sally and Barney Stone.