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.
