By Mal Butler
Publicans Liam White and Simon Cant have added the Crown Inn, Shorwell, to their growing business interests.
The business partners already own The Castle Inn, Newport, The Vine Inn, St Helens and New Inn, Shalfleet.
They will take over managing The Crown on Monday (June 27) with the pub initially open for drinks only, with food to follow within a week. Both had previously worked at the pub which was one of the reasons for taking it over. Liam said: “Part of it was sentimentality but we also want to bring it back to its former glory serving a traditional pub menu.”
Simon added: “When I was here before, it had a good local following and we want it to, once again, be the heart of the community. We are a family-run business and we will have family members working here.
“I even remember coming here as a child and twice falling into the stream at the back of the pub trying to touch the fish!”
The couple have taken on a 17-year lease on the pub and have had workmen in this week clearing the grounds and stream as well as decorating the inside of the premises, with the promise of a children’s play area to come in the near future.
Isle of Wight Observer