Adnams has revealed the popular Cross Keys Aldeburgh pub will reopen after refurbishment on March 1, under a new manager.
Emily Portsmouth will take over behind the bar, working for the Southwold brewery, offering a range of Adnams cask and keg beers, spirits and wines as well as traditional pub food.
The busy pub in the resort’s Crabbe Street, one of many good pubs in Aldeburgh, is currently undergoing extensive renovation and refurbishment, but Adnams is keen to point out it will retain its unique atmosphere and character.
“We cannot wait to fling the doors back open again and welcome old and new customers,” said Adnams director of properties, Nick Attfield.
Cross Keys Aldeburgh
Ms Portsmouth, who will be the Cross Keys’ general manager, moved to Suffolk two years ago after working in a variety of hospitality environments.
She said: “I grew up in rural Worcestershire where the heart of the community was always the local pub and from the moment I was old enough to don a pair of marigolds and be paid for the privilege of scrubbing pots and pans, pubs became the centre of my world.
“My happiest memories, my closest friendships and some of the most important lessons I have learned have been made within the walls of a pub.
“I earned my stripes as a teenager perfecting the highly technical art of banana split and prawn cocktail construction in the local pub kitchen (don’t judge me, it was the 90’s!) and have since been lucky enough to work in a varied and diverse range of establishments, from French ski chalets and Spanish restaurants to quintessential Cockney taverns!
“I moved to Suffolk on a full-time basis around two years ago and am thrilled to be working for Adnams as the manager of The Cross Keys which sits on the seafront in the beautiful town of Aldeburgh. It’s great to work for a company who are so focused on the local community and making sure that every employee feels valued and part of the team.”
