Hanwell Pub To Reopen in March After Major Revamp
American couple take over licence of The Duke of York
Erich and Lisa von Gehren have taken over the pub's licence
February 2, 2026
A major £485,000 refurbishment of The Duke of York in Hanwell has begun, marking the start of a transformation that will bring the long-closed pub back to life as a family-friendly neighbourhood local by the end of March.
The investment, funded jointly by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and the pub’s new licensees, Hanwell residents Erich and Lisa von Gehren, will see the Uxbridge Road venue completely redesigned inside and out after sitting closed since October. The couple plan to create a warm, community-minded pub serving affordable gastro-quality food, with regular events including live music, quizzes and sports screenings. The refurbishment is expected to generate multiple new jobs.
Food will be at the heart of the new Duke of York. With extensive culinary experience behind him, Erich intends to run a fully scratch-made kitchen using sustainable methods and British ingredients. The menu will feature dishes such as dark and stormy short ribs and braised pig cheeks with Bramley apple and cider, alongside lighter plates. The pub will cure its own salt beef, culture and mature its own butter, and make condiments in-house, including ketchup using Isle of Wight tomatoes. Food will be served Wednesday to Sunday at lunch and in the evening.
Alongside the food offer, the pub will serve barista-style coffee, cask and craft ales, premium lagers and ciders, cocktails, a curated wine list and premium spirits, including locally sourced gin. Erich says he is particularly excited about nurturing the pub’s cask ale and mentoring apprentices as part of the new team. “I love cask ale, so I’ll enjoy the whole shepherding process from storage to dispense,” he said. “I also love working with raw talent, mentoring people and helping launch their careers.”
Although this will be the couple’s first pub, they are clear about the atmosphere they want to create. “We might be American, but we want The Duke of York to be a quintessential English neighbourhood local with a British menu and food that’s a cut above standard pub grub,” said Erich. “Living locally, we understand what the area needs – somewhere you can take young children for a Wednesday evening meal, enjoy a Sunday roast or bring your dog after a walk in the nearby park.”
The refurbishment will give the pub a completely new look while aiming to retain its character and warmth. Inside, the layout will include a sports zone, bar and lounge area, with new classic lighting, furniture and increased seating. Six high-definition TVs will be installed for live sport, and the walls will feature framed historic images and old maps of Hanwell. The toilets will also be upgraded to match the smarter interior.
Outside, the pub will be redecorated in deep green and cream with gold lettering. Seating in the beer garden and at the front of the pub will double to 84, with a mix of A-frame benches, round tables and chairs. Festoon lighting and traditional wall lights will create a welcoming ambience, while the covered canopy will be renovated with new feature lighting.
The couple are keen for the pub to become a genuine hub for local residents and community groups. “We want regulars to have a say in what activities the pub should host,” said Erich. “We’d also love to hear from anyone who has historical photos or information about the building, which was a coaching inn in the 1700s before becoming a pub in the early 1800s.”
Star Pubs investment manager Nick Paul said the von Gehrens bring a rare combination of experience and local insight. “Erich and Lisa have run everything from a fast-food outlet to a Michelin-starred restaurant,” he said. “With their passion for hospitality and community spirit, The Duke of York will become a great place to socialise with family and friends. Its new look and offer are in keeping with the changing face of Hanwell and will, I believe, encourage further improvements on its doorstep.”
The Duke of York will open from 12pm to 10.30pm on weekdays, 12pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 9pm on Sundays once the refurbishment is complete.
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