Woolwich pub renovation takes big step forward

Restoration of a pub in Woolwich town centre has made a big step forward as work on the ground floor continues with the addition of new glazing.

The former Ordnance Arms otherwise known as the Gun Pit has in recent years seen work to restore features lost over recent decades.

That includes reopening the original corner entrance as well as adding in windows in areas of the frontage formerly bricked over.

So far it’s looking a very good job. Changes made in the 20th century did little to enhance the building. See the bricked over former corner entrance below.

Windows either side of the corner were also partly bricked over.

Rather than ignore the street outside as before, these new doors and windows now present an attractive frontage when walking to the town center from the Elizabeth line station.

Upper floors

Changes from developer Lita also extend to upper floors, were a mansard roof was added.

In addition a gap in the building line on Woolwich New Road was filled in. Fittings have been restored and given a lick of paint.

All in all it’s shaping up to be an excellent example of how to renovate a Victorian pub and bring back lost features with sensitively designed extensions.

It’s doing justice to a building in a prime position alongside the recently revamped Beresford Square.

Here’s how the frontage facing Beresford Square appeared in 2021 with some windows bricked over.

Note also the lack of rooftop extension.

The question now is who takes it on. Footfall passing the site is extremely high given it’s on the route between The Royal Arsenal and Woolwich Elizabeth line station as Woolwich Arsenal DLR and rail station.

It’s up for £75,000 a year.