Kentish Express Ashford & District
Boost for villagers as pub diversifies
A disused outbuilding next to a pub has been converted into a community cafe and farm shop.
Licensee Lance Culver took over the King’s Head in Shadoxhurst last September but only managed seven weeks of trading before he was forced to close due to November’s second lockdown.
He thought about diversifying to keep money coming in, and wanted to set up a village store and coffee shop.
An unused storage space adjoining the Shepherd Neame pub proved ideal, and he got in touch with Ashford Borough Council about licensing.
The authority suggested talking to not-for-profit group Pub is the Hub, an organisation that helps pubs to diversify and provide essential local services.
Pub is the Hub supported Mr Culver and provided a community services fund grant, which has allowed him to fulfil his goal.
Over a period of four weeks in December, Mr Culver and a team of helpers set about the task.
He said: “We removed three skip-loads of rubbish, including several old fridges, and in clearing the area for the shop we also
created a courtyard area at the rear.
“The space is now half coffee shop and half farm shop.
“We have produce supplied by a local bakery, and we also stock milk, cheese, smoked salmon and meats. We have fresh vegetables, fruit and salad too, plus people can also buy coffee to drink in the courtyard or take away.
“We try our best to keep everything as local as possible.”
The shop and cafe were launched on June 4 by Ashford MP Damian Green, and are open seven days a week, between
10am and 1pm.
Tim Tempest, regional advisor for Pub is The Hub, said: “The farm shop and community café are much needed in this area and will be a huge benefit to local customers and the wider community.
“This will provide a meeting place within the village, which will help to combat the isolation many have felt during these challenging times.
“We’re pleased to support entrepreneurial publicans.”
For more information, visit www.kingsheadshadoxhurst. co.uk or call 01233 732243.
The New Chimneys on Godinton Park has reopened following a months-long refurbishment.
It has been taken over by Ashford born-and-bred Dean Pryce, who started his career as a table cleaner at the Eureka Park Pizza Hut.
The Loudon Way site was previously run by Costas Constanti and reopened last Thursday.
It is open from 10am Monday to Saturday and from 11am on Sundays.
Brunch will be served from 10am, with food available between 10am and 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 9pm on Sundays.
It features a mezzanine on the first floor that caters for private functions with up to 100 guests.
For more information, visit bit.ly/3wOOEmq or call 01233 878413.