Work is underway to restore a historic pub which closed suddenly – with the new tenants looking to install a golf simulator at the venue.
Fleur De Lis in Sandwich shocked punters after calling time in October 2024, leading to uncertainty over its future.
Fleur De Lis in Delf Street, Sandwich, will soon reopen with renovations currently underway
The pub hit the market last year, listed for £695,000, listed by estate agents Fleurets.
Now, Purple Penguin Hospitality has signed on as the new tenant for the 383-year-old establishment.
Currently, a major refurbishment is underway at the Delf Street business, which doubles as a hotel, to bring it back to its former glory.
The new team even have plans to capitalise on the area’s golfing heritage; the nearby Royal St George’s golf course has hosted the Open Championship 15 times since its establishment in 1887.
The course was also ranked the best in England in October 2025, as Kent was also named the country’s best golfing county.
Fleur De Lis in Sandwich closed in September 2024 and was put on the market last year. Picture: Purple Penguin Hospitality
Sandwich is also home to Prince’s, which was named the 30th best golf course in England in 2025 and has hosted The Open and Ladies British Open Championship over the years.
A spokesperson for Purple Penguin Hospitality said of the Fleur De Lis: “We hope to bring this back to being a central community hub for the town.
“Our plan is to play on its rich history, but also play on the golf-heavy location and install a top-of-the-range golfing simulator.
“Our beautiful events space is something right out of Bridgerton, with decoration that offers a chic and modern feel.
The bar has been sanded down at the Fleur De Lis in Sandwich. Picture: Purple Penguin Hospitality
“The vision for the site is to offer an upmarket product in the town, which appeals to international travellers, golf enthusiasts and locals looking for a more upmarket community offering.”
It is currently unknown when the pub will reopen.
Spanning three floors, the property boasts 11 bedrooms – all of which have ensuite bathrooms – while the ground floor has enough room to host 110 punters.
It also has an “entertainment stage” and oak flooring, as well as a courtyard.
The site has been vacant since its closure in September 2024.
Renovation works are ongoing at the Fleur De Lis and it is not yet known when it will reopen. Picture: Purple Penguin Hospitality
In the announcement at the time, the manager of six years, Richard Harris, said: “As everyone knows, and just as Bob Dylan once said, ‘the times they are a-changing’ and I’ve made the decision to close the doors on the Fleur De Lis.
“As many of you have known for a while now, I’ve been debating on this decision and decided to move on and spend more time on my passion for music and events.
“Thank you to all the wonderful regulars we’ve had, the list is way too big to try name-checking you all, but thank you for your support and all the wonderful memories we share together.”
Acts to have performed at the pub over the years include British band The Real Thing and singer Toyah Wilcox.
Its live music offering was temporarily scrapped in 2021 after two decades, following noise complaints.
The new floor installed at the Fleur De Lis. Picture: Purple Penguin Hospitality
The first recorded mention of the Fleur De Lis was in 1642, when the town crier proclaimed it as a meeting place for volunteers to fight for Charles I and the royalists during the English Civil War.
The existing building dates back to 1785 and was built during the reign of George III before serving as the coaching office in Sandwich, from where transport could be booked to Canterbury, Ramsgate and Dover.
A coach house and stables were located within the property, and throughout the 19th century, coaches could be taken from the pub until the arrival of motor vehicles saw the demand die out.
Purple Penguin Hospitality is also a tenant at the Rising Sun in Beltinge, The Plough in Swalecliffe and the New Flying Horse in Wye.