Sunbury riverside pub The Magpie to reopen after refurb

The Magpie, a riverside pub in Sunbury-on-Thames, will welcome back customers this spring following a significant refurbishment.

The renovation aims to enhance the pub’s visual charm and the experience of its visitors, while maintaining its historical appeal and picturesque setting.

Having recently been named Best Business in Sunbury and Halliford at the Spelthorne Business Awards, the pub is ready to begin a new chapter.

The interior has been redesigned, showcasing a modernised bar on both floors, a refined restoration of the ground floor, and a combination of new and refurbished furniture that balances comfort with contemporary style. (Image: The Magpie/Metropolitan Pub Company) The large-scale investment has revitalised The Magpie both inside and out.

The interior has been redesigned, showcasing a modernised bar on both floors, a refined restoration of the ground floor, and a combination of new and refurbished furniture that balances comfort with contemporary style.

The outdoor space has been rejuvenated to offer a fresh garden area, perfect for relaxing by the Thames in the warmer months.

To mark its re-opening, The Magpie will host a special event on April 4, featuring live music and appearances by actor Richard Gauntlett and comedian Andre Vincent of The Water Rats, a historic actor group with roots in the pub’s history.

The Water Rats were founded in 1889 by music hall performers Joe Elvin and Jack Lotto, and have long supported charitable causes in the performing arts.

The outdoor space has been rejuvenated to offer a fresh garden area, perfect for relaxing by the Thames in the warmer months. (Image: The Magpie/Metropolitan Pub Company) The pub’s name, The Magpie, is a nod to a successful racehorse owned by Elvin and Lotto, with its winnings having been used to help struggling entertainers.

The Magpie was the original meeting place for The Water Rats, thus making their presence at the re-opening a tribute to its rich heritage.

The reimagined Magpie is also unveiling a new spring menu that celebrates high-quality, seasonal ingredients and expertly crafted dishes.

Pub favourites like fish and chips, double cheeseburgers, and pie of the day will be joined by new, innovative dishes.

The renovation aims to enhance the pub’s visual charm and the experience of its visitors, while maintaining its historical appeal and picturesque setting. (Image: The Magpie/Metropolitan Pub Company) Vegan options include the heritage tomato panzanella featuring burrata, rose harissa, charred orange, and roast garlic croutons, and the Symplicity plant-based cheeseburger served with smoky pickles, signature sauce, and fries.

Seafood fans can enjoy pan-fried sea bass fillet with new potatoes, chorizo, spinach, and a lemon dressing or the king prawn and monkfish Malabar curry.

Svatopluk Ludvik, general manager, said: “We’re thrilled to unveil The Magpie’s stunning new look and welcome guests back to enjoy an enhanced experience in our beautiful riverside setting.

“With a refreshed menu, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and an unbeatable view, we can’t wait to see both familiar faces and new visitors walk through our doors.”

The Magpie’s transformation looks to secure its position as a popular spot for casual meet-ups, celebratory meals, and leisurely drinks by the water for years to come.