There’s been a changing of the guard at the former Kings Head British Pub in St. Augustine.
A local group took ownership of the US-1 North property and an adjoining piece of land last week, ushering in a new era for the storied locale.
Two of the group’s partners, Sean and Ashley Hassan – both Jacksonville natives and Nocatee residents – plan to remake the parcel as a European style pub with an expansive beer selection, more outdoor seating and a beer garden.
“We really want to make use of the open space and create a great outdoor area,” Ashley said. “It’s a beautiful property, and we want to create something really unique for our community.”
The Northeast Florida-rooted group wants to cement their engagement with locals from the very start — by putting the pub’s new name up for a vote.
“We need help naming the pub!” a new Instagram page reads for what is now temporarily known as Unnamed Pub. “Please message us with suggestions. Once we narrow the list down we will do a poll so you all can vote on your favorite name.”
Fans of the property’s former occupant will be relieved to know that the existing building will remain.
The Hassans – high school sweethearts from Bishop Kenny who have two high schoolers and a middle schooler of their own — said they plan an interior renovation that will honor the history of the hallowed structure while bringing it up to date.
The exterior, they said, will retain its face for the most part.
A local realtor, Ashley said she and her husband had always aspired to run their own brewery or pub, and spent years searching for the ideal site. The new project — which will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner — is the ownership group’s first foray into the bar and restaurant realm.
Taking the baton from a local institution, Sean said, is a unique responsibility.
While the Kings Head’s 36-year run will continue to echo, Hassan said he’s confident that the new venture will soon forge its own legacy.
“There aren’t a lot of unique places to go sit outside and have a beer,” he said. “There aren’t a lot of options between Nocatee and the old city to go have a good beer and some food where your kids can play. Hopefully this will be that place.”
The famed location, he said, offers instant geographical privilege and allows for future growth at 3.5 total acres.
“This is a distinctive spot,” he said. “People know the building, they’ll recognize it. For us, we consider that a good thing.”
The pub — which sold for $1.7 million — won’t be country specific, and will offer beers from all over Europe in addition to the work of local brewmasters.
“We’ve traveled to Munich, we’ve been all over Europe,” said Hassan, a beer enthusiast. “We went to Oktoberfest and saw how great those settings can be. We want to recreate some of that atmosphere here.”
Ashley stressed their desire to maximize the area’s rustic appeal. Picnic tables will cover the turf and plans are in motion for a children’s play area.
“We want everyone to be welcome,” she said. “This should be a place where you can come with your kids, with your dogs, and be comfortable. A natural setting, not surrounded by concrete.”
Renovations are already in full swing, and the Hassans said the taps could flow in a matter of months.
20 Responses
NEW TYME PUB. Respect the old time pub with a new modern twist
So sad my friends and owners are no longer here, but happy they sold and hopefully a great restaurant and great tradition can continue on. ❤️
I am not sure how the locals feel about the new ownership after the bus fiasco. Seems like a huge group of people were made angry and stated that they would never set foot in the new establishment. But good luck.
Hope they will serve wine as well, because not all of us drink beer. Nice white wines from New Zealand preferably. 😋
You can make all outdoor areas and play equipment handicapped accessible seamlessly with proper planning. Please do!
Name it Old City Pub or Old City Beer Garden.😁
The Winking Judge
An idea.. have a place (a hallway?) where one can walk by and see a brief history of St Aug and all the European influences along with a beer your serving from the region. A Pic of Ponce DeLeon and the beer from Spain, etc.
We are snowbirds, here for 3 months. Drove by yesterday after visiting our favorite antique shop. Have been thinking about going to the King’s Head with English friends, but were shocked that the pub has been sold, recently! We sincerely hope to go there next year; doubt they will be open this year before we leave! Always enjoyed that restaurant!
Hi!
Sooo excited! We have been going to The British Pub on New Year’s Eve for the past 20+ years and were so distraught that it was closing. Now our sweet neighbors/friends that we have known since their grammar school have bought it!!! Such great news!! Can’t wait for you to open it!! We now live much closer to it than before and will be there as soon as open.
Dickie already suggested the name be the Irish version of “cheers”…,Slainte….pronounced “slawnche”….just a suggestion 😀
Good luck with all! And please let us know when you are open. We are pretty close at World Golf Village
Love to all your family from us❤️❤️
Linda and Dickie
I am very happy that this wonderful place will continue as a pub/restaurant, and you can be sure that I will be there. One of the great things about The KIng’s Head was its open mic event every week. It was so beautiful and enjoyable on the grass and underneath the trees. Please bring it back, all local musicians would love it if you did. But please not on Tuesday or Wednesday, any other time would be peachy. Good luck, and thanks!!!
here are some ideas for names:
The Brewhaha
Euro cafe
Family taproom
St Augie’s pub
The Almost there pub
BuzzandBrew
The JollyJug
St Augie’s Alehouse
I’ve always passed the Tavern and thought it was an interesting building with the large bus next to it. I was shocked once I heard the news. I believe it will be so nice with a fresh start I hope I’ll be able to visit someday if I’m still living in St. Augustine. This name popped in my head Bierhaus which means beer house not sure if it’s too much but just an idea!
Der Ratskeller
The spray painted sign on route 1 is an eyesore.
It’s also a marketing misstep.
Agreed… just saw that today and thought, “I really hope Ann doesn’t see that. Very very tacky
How about “Cheers To You” have two old antique looking beer steins painted on a old piece of wood with the word “Cheer’s”on one,and “To You” on the other one…🙂
The Celtic Camel gets my vote!!!
Knowing you plan to have outdoor space and include kids and dogs is awesome ! Our daughter lives in Winter Park. Several places where the 2 1/2 yr old grandchild can play with other children while the adults do some adult time🤩
Wishing you well in your new venture!!
Wish the bus could have stayed 😎
Easy … The Hail Haus