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Former pole dancing club, The Three Squirrels, Stockbury, undergoing revamp work to re-open as country pub

The Three Squirrels pub in Stockbury Valley which is undergoing renovation
The Three Squirrels pub in Stockbury Valley which is undergoing renovation

The revamp of a former pole dancing club into a family-friendly country pub has suffered further delays.

In April last year, the Three Squirrels, Stockbury Valley, was purchased at auction for £155,000 after lying empty for more than a year.

It was hoped the renovation would be finished at the end of this summer with costs set to be around £50,000.

However, extensive work is still needed even though £40,000 has already been ploughed into the project.

Owner Malcolm Champion is renovating the building with his grandson Christopher Champion.

Owner Malcolm Champion in the front bar of the Three Squirrels pub
Owner Malcolm Champion in the front bar of the Three Squirrels pub

He said problems with several properties he owns in Bromley - including a burst water main - have diverted attention away from the pub.

He said further delays were caused when Swale council informed him planning permission was needed to repair and replace tiles on the roof.

During the time spent obtaining approval, money set aside for the roof was spent elsewhere.

Mr Champion said: “You name it we’ve got to do it. It’s basic things just to get the place in some sort of order.

“There have been a lot more problems than we expected. We are making progress but it’s not fast.”

The 73-year-old Bromley resident estimates it may take another nine months to finish but says it could take even longer and added it may cost another £40,000 to £50,000 to complete.

When finally done, it is hoped the Three Squirrels will become a bar, restaurant and “entertainment centre” with live acts every evening. It will keep its name.

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