Philip gives peep into history of revamped pub

Philip Sammons, 78, was just 12 when he was employed as a glass collector at the Peeping Tom in Cromwell Lane in 1945.

He lived two doors away as a boy and became a familiar face.

During the reopening Mr Sammons picked up some empties once again.

The pub has changed hands and been demolished and rebuilt over the past 65 years but Peter Trueman, the new general manager, says Mr Sammons’ visit and the latest refurbishment has helped recapture the establishment’s traditional community spirit.

Mr Trueman said: “Mr Sammons has seen the place change time after time and he said he thinks it looks lovely.

“He worked here before I was born and he has come back after seeing so many different licensees so it was interesting to meet him.

“With all the pubs closing these days the company have spent a lot of money investing in the Peeping Tom and this is now about taking that forward and giving something back to the community.”

The Peeping Tom has been remodelled both inside and out, with the new interior layout offering more space.

A new outdoor dining area also features children’s play equipment and a duck pond.

Mr Trueman said: “People have come here to see exactly what was done with the place and I haven’t heard any negative comments yet.

“Everybody likes what we have done and can see what we are doing in the future and what the plans are.”