Kentish Express Ashford & District
New wine bar unveiled for village square
A wine bar is set to open in the historic setting of Chilham village square this summer.
The Tudor Peacock will have the “unique selling point” of being the only venue in the county where alcohol from all seven of Kent’s top wine producers will be on offer.
Bottles and samples from the likes of Chapel Down, Hush Heath and Domaine Evremond will all be available from the 14th century site in the heart of the picturesque village near Ashford.
Delicacies such as Whitstable oysters will also be on the menu.
The business - set to take up residence in the former Peacock Antiques Tudor Lodge gift shop is planned to operate from 10am until 9pm each day.
Proposals to convert the premises into a commercial outlet have been drawn up by Hollaway architects and submitted to Ashford Borough Council.
Documents state: “The Tudor Peacock will showcase wines produced in Kent and offer local products including cheeses and Whitstable oysters.
“Its unique selling point is being the only venue where it will be possible to taste, be educated on, and buy wines from all seven of the wine producers currently comprising the Wine Garden of England plus offerings from other Kent producers.”
The Chilham proposal comes after Domaine Evremond, co-owned by global brand Taittinger, secured permission last summer to build a winery on the outskirts of the village capable of making 400,000 bottles of “premium quality sparkling wine” each year.
And now, the village could add another string to its wine-centric bow with the launch of The Tudor Peacock.
The venue has the backing of supporter Tracey Brewer, who, commenting on the plans, said: “This proposal will ensure that this beautiful historic building is not left empty to deteriorate, get damaged or vandalised.”