A POPULAR pub in the centre of Glastonbury has re-opened.

The Crown has been refurbished and re-opened as a pub and boutique hotel.

The building, which had been empty for five years, was bought by Bruce Ashmore in December 2019.

He spent a year refurbishing the building, and it briefly opened in December 2020 - but was forced to close again as Covid-19 restrictions were reintroduced.

This week, The Crown re-opened once again and welcomed customers for drinks outside, in line with Government guidelines.

Bridgwater Mercury: The Crown, Glastonbury

They plan to start serving food just before their full re-opening on May 17.

“The plan is to have it very clean, bright and new, with good food, good drink and great fun with reasonable prices, so hopefully everybody will be able to have a nice time,” said Mr Ashmore.

“We are a freehouse and so are not tied to any brewery.

“This means we will choose the best wines, cocktails, as well as local ales and ciders on offer too.

“People like to support local and I think it is only right to support local - and we have good quality ales and ciders in Somerset too.”

Bridgwater Mercury: The Crown, Glastonbury

Mr Ashworth, who also owns a few pubs in the county including The City Arms in Wells, says the aim of the pub is “great food, great drink, great service and great fun”.

Sarah Avery, who is born and bred in Glastonbury, is set to manage The Crown and Dan Domnprasong is the head chef.

Mr Domnprasong has worked in many places, including in Australia and Thailand, and moved to Glastonbury around four years ago.

Ciaran Dunne, who has formerly lived and worked in Ireland and Canada, has taken on the role of bar manager - and, Mr Ashmore says - he “makes a great cocktail”.

Bridgwater Mercury: The Crown, Glastonbury ; Ciaran Dunne

The Crown also has eight bedrooms for guests to stay, and all are named after singers including Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Elton John, Dolly Parton and more.

Bridgwater Mercury: ROOMS: at The Crown, Glastonbury. Pic: Jason Bryant

“The reason I bought The Crown was because it is in such a good location,” added Mr Ashmore.

“The building has been unloved for five years, I spent a lot of money on it.

“I think Glastonbury is crying out for something like this really.”

To find out more visit crownglastonbury.co.uk.