JUST LANDED AT THE DOVE

A young duo have taken on running a village pub after working together for seven years.

Shepherd Neame-owned The Dove, in the hamlet of Dargate near Faversham, is being run by business partners William Shenow-brady and Sophie Webb, who took the step to branch out on their own after working together at a restaurant in Canterbury. William, 28, who grew up in Wingham and trained at Canterbury College, works as head chef, while Sophie, 22, who grew up in Sturry, manages front-ofhouse.

She said: “After we decided to go into business together... we found The Dove it ticked all the boxes. We loved its traditional look and warm, inviting feel, and it was spacious but not too big. It’s also in a great location, surrounded by beautiful countryside but only 15 minutes’ drive from Faversham, Canterbury or Whitstable.”

The pair took on The Dove in July before closing it for a couple of months for renovation work. Supported by Shepherd Neame, work included painting throughout, refurbishing the toilets, installing new lighting and installing new kitchen equipment. The top bar counter was also removed to make the bar area lighter, and all the floors were renovated.

William said: “We are really pleased with the finished results. The pub looks lighter and more contemporary, but we have still retained its traditional character.”

William’s brothers Tom and James helped with the refurbishment work, his father Michael looks after the garden and his other brother Robert supports the pub’s digital marketing. Sophie’s sister Chloe is part of the management team while her mum Claire reupholstered the pub furniture. William lives at the pub with wife Samantha, and her father Jason also built new garden furniture.

The Dove also has a new menu using local produce. It is open Tuesdays to Sundays.

For details go to dovedargate.co.uk or call 01227 751085.