The Past

With an estimated construction date of 1520. Church Keys have seen a multitude of uses ranging from a Thai restaurant to a photography studio/antiquity shop. The ancient weathered sign on the outside wall that reads ‘Church Keys Studio’ is believed to date back to a time when the Stump keys were kept there for safekeeping. Its site on the banks of the river have given Church Keys its characteristic ‘lean’, but rest assured the building remains structurally sound.

Church Keys is also said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the town, and it is said to be haunted by former resident Sarah Preston. Her tale is a horrific one that ended in her suicide and it is said that her cries still echo throughout the rooms. Church Keys’ owner Jason Brackenbury has even recounted unexplained encounters during its restoration.

On the 5th. December 2013 Boston was devastated when the River Witham burst its banks leaving the area surrounding the Stump under four feet of water. Church Keys’ close vicinity to the river left its helpless and when the floods receded, the building was left in a state of total disarray.

The Present

With the hard work of Jason, his team (Nottingham Trent Undergraduates, Ryan Overton, Dan Huckvale and Nasser Fahad) and local tradesman, major restoration work was completed to revitalise the building using original materials wherever possible. Church Keys has been restored to the building you see today, an iconic site with an inviting atmosphere offering a quality experience.

On 7th November 2015 Church Keys Wine Bar and Restaurant opened its doors for the first time.

After six months of finding his feet, Jason turned to Boston College and enrolled on an Apprenticeship scheme. Under the support, guidance and mentoring of Justina Sumskyte, we have put together an activity planner of live entertainment, street parties and murder mystery events for the year ahead. All fitting and appropriate for making Church Keys Wine Bar & Restaurant a quality place for finest food, high quality beers, cocktails and value for money.