Historic Chelsea pub Cross Keys to reopen

Chelsea pub the Cross Keys, a popular haunt of Dylan Thomas and the Rolling Stones, will reopen its doors following a major revamp by new owner DM Group.

Publicans Mark Dyer and Eamonn Manson (pictured L-R), the team behind the Sands End and the Brown Cow pubs in Fulham, have invested around £500,000 in the renovation of the 300-year-old building. The free pub is expected to reopen for business on 5 March.

Head chef Natasha Cooke, formerly sous chef at Chelsea restaurant Medlar, has devised the pub's menu with support from DM Group executive chef Oliver Marlowe. The offer will range from traditional British pub classics to seasonal plates with European influences.

A range of cask ales, fine lager and craft beers will be available along with a wine list that focuses on accessibly priced bottles from around the world.

Commenting on the re-launch of the Cross Keys, Manson said: "Our pubs quite simply follow an ethos of attention to the important details of service, food and ambience.

"We want customers to walk into the new Cross Keys regardless of whether it's to sit quietly with a pint, a Scotch egg and newspaper or to visit with friends and family to sample an excellently cooked meal in our main dining room."

The Cross Keys, situated between King's Road and Cheyne Walk, first opened in 1708 and other famous former patrons have included Agatha Christie and Bob Marley.

It closed in in 2012 following a short term ownership by property developer Andrew Bourne. Left to disuse, the boarded-up pub was infiltrated by squatters who were ejected after it was sold in January 2014.

Property company Parsons Green Land paid £3.9m for the freehold and is in the process of building four two-bedroom flats upstairs, while the pub is leased to the DM Group.