A new English-style pub called The Crown & Thistle soon will occupy a previously vacant space at 107 N. Fourth, in what is known as the Sherman building in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Owner Jennifer Drake says she hopes to have the 1,600-square-foot space remodeled and ready to open in February.

Drake says her family owns the Sherman building, which is one of the oldest commercial buildings in the city.

She says the pub’s planned space most recently served as the training center for Pita Pit USA, which is headquartered in Coeur d’Alene.

“There was a fire a few years back, so it’s been vacant since then,” she says. “Our family friend, Mike Dodge, is helping us with the remodel, and we’ll be adding lots of authentic touches like a refurbished antique bar and Victorian-style drinking booths.”

Drake says she got the idea to open a pub after living in the United Kingdom.

“My favorite thing about the U.K. was all the good pubs, and I really missed that when I moved back to the states,” she says. “I grew up here, and my husband and I are raising our family here, and the timing just finally worked out.”

Drake says the pub will offer beer and wine, as well as a full food menu including traditional English dishes such as fish and chips, meat pies, bangers and mash, and fries with various toppings.

“We’ll start with beer and wine, until we acquire a liquor license,” she says. “We’d like to focus on old European style beers including traditional ales and lagers imported from the U.K., as well as similar beers from local breweries.”

Drake says the pub will have about 10 employees. 

“Our main focus will be on making this a little bit of Britain here in Idaho, while still being a familiar, comfortable and cozy space for people from all walks of life,” she says.