AN EMMBROOK pub is preparing to reopen its doors following a major refurbishment.
The Dog & Duck, in Matthewsgreen Road, dates back to the 18th century and has been owned by Brakspear Brewery since 1857. Now, 160 years on, the community staple has been revamped to include a pizza oven and a brand-new beer garden.
Opening next Wednesday, the pub’s makeover aims to retain and highlight original features, including parquet flooring, natural oak beams, exposed brick walls and large sash windows.
Designed by Brakspear’s interior design team, they have aimed to make the bar area relaxed, warm and cosy, with a traditional feel by using a palette of warm reds and cosy greens along with contemporary touches and vintage detailing.
Other features include a wood-burning stove, an old oak-topped bar fronted with reclaimed floorboards and copper pendant lights.
On the walls, antique prints of the local area and furnishings including old Dutch pews, a long, drinking table and mismatched tables and chairs. But it’s not all looking to the past: there will be a large screen TV showing regular live sporting events.
There’s been some changes to the pub’s drinks selection, including classic cocktails and 10 specialty gins including Hawthorn’s, Silent Pool and Tarquin’s Cornish.
The Dog & Duck’s wine list includes three champagnes and Prosecco, 15 wines by the glass, and 33 by the bottle. The bar will also stock a range of craft beers such as Brooklyn, Sierra Nevada, Innis & Gunn and Goose Island.
But it is in the menu that there are the biggest changes.
Its dining area, which seats 130, will welcome people wanting to enjoy pub classics with a modern twist executed to a high standard, including steaks, beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips, bangers and mash, burgers, grills and salads.
Pizzas with sour dough or spelt bases will be made-to-order and cooked in the kitchen’s wood-fired pizza oven.
The lunch menu includes open sandwiches, an express menu for those short of time, and a specially designed children’s menu including chicken goujons and 5in pizzas.
On Sundays there will be a carvery.
“We’re excited to be part of the local community here,” says manager Mark Gray. “We’ll be hosting numerous events over the year, including the Joel Park Residents’ Association Annual Christmas Carol Concert, which will be held in our carpark on Sunday, December 10 at 4pm.”
The pub will also welcome dogs.
For more details log on to www.dogandduckemmbrook.co.uk
