Banyers House closed it’s doors on Monday 5th January to undergo a major refurbishment.
When it reopens again after around 11 weeks, it will take on a new name – The Chalk Hare. This “modern pub” will offer an extensive range of draft beers, wines and cocktails and a great menu of freshly cooked Mediterranean-inspired food alongside ‘pub classics’, which centres around wood-fired ovens and charcoal grills, using traditional cooking techniques and sustainably sourced produce.
The Chalk Hare is a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian building, with some notable owners since being built in the 1700s for the Revd Edward Banyer, Vicar of Royston from 1739 to 1752. It was later the home of Joseph Beldam who, from 1826 onwards, played an important part in the abolition of the slave trade in the British colonies. Beldam died at the house in 1866 and is buried in a family vault at the Parish Church opposite. A church that used to have a tunnel running from it, under Melbourne Street and reportedly emerging in what is now the cellar of the pub.
In the early 20th century, it was home to a local racehorse owner with his horses stabled to the rear and exercised each day on Therfield Heath.
During the buildings last major refurbishment in 2014 an Ice House was uncovered during excavations. It would have been there since the late 1700s, pre-dating domestic refrigeration; built to store ice in an insulated chamber before being taken indoors to preserve food.
There are many beautiful historic features in the pub which will be treated and preserved with care during the redecoration, which will extend to the 9 boutique en-suite bedrooms, no two being the same, but all with quality finishes.
Outside the garden to the rear will also receive a touch of TLC and inside the bar will have an overhaul in order to stock 5 cask ales alongside other local favourites and a wine list of 50 plus affordable and quaffable wines. A new menu will be created by the team which will include homemade pizzas and a variety of ‘pub favourites’ with a twist here and there, all using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
“We are still very much at the initial stages of the refurbishment with a long way to go, but cannot wait to see what the locals of Royston think of their new look pub.
We plan to breathe new life into the building, working through the winter to create a beautiful new design which enhances the buildings features.
Nearer the time of opening, we’ll be looking for lots of local crew who would like to join the existing team, working in the bar, waiting, kitchen and maintenance roles to create a team of around 50. If you’d like to watch our progress you can do so by following our Facebook (www.facebook.com/chalkhareroyston) and/or Instagram (www.instagram.com/chalkhareroyston) pages and by visiting our website www.thechalkhare.co.uk
We would also love to hear from anyone who has a link to the history of the building as we have a real passion to find out as much as we can about its history.’’
Mary Willcock. CEO.
ACORN PUBS INFORMATION
We are a group of 10 pub restaurants, 6 of which have bedrooms, predominantly in the home counties.
Whether our customers are catching up with friends over drinks, treating the family to Sunday roast in our restaurant, or escaping for a couple of nights to one of our hotels, we pride ourselves on offering the perfect, quality environment to suit, and warm, friendly hospitality.
Acorn Pubs is owned by Brunning and Price – www.acornpubs.co.uk
The Chalk Hare, 16 Melbourn Street, Royston, SG8 7BZ
www.facebook.com/chalkhareroyston – www.instagram.com/chalkhareroyston – www.thechalkhare.co.uk
