THIS WEEK’S FOOD AND DRINK NEWS

lapopular café has shut after more than 30 years - ahead of its transformation into a restaurant serving ‘the largest pizza in town’. The Sportsman in Wincheap, Canterbury, has been dishing up fry-ups since the late 1980s, now, it has now been bought by Amir Masomi, who hopes to open his first eatery, Big Boys Pizza, at the beginning of May. Amir, pictured, will co-run the business with three friends, who all have years of experience running restaurants, including The Old Weavers in St Peter’s Street and Olive Grove in Best Lane.

lafamily’s wish that a riverside pub should remain in business after its popular landlord passed away has been granted. The Ship in Lower Upnor, near Rochester, has been taken over by a couple who have given the place a “substantial” makeover – including colourful beach huts and a marquee in the garden. Danny and Emma Brooker are the new licensees and the pub is already doing a roaring trade with old locals and many new customers flocking through the doors.

The outdoors also has a play park with swings and slides for younger visitors while parents can make use of the extra seating. The pub is popular for its views overlooking the waterfront where there are often lovely sunsets over the River Medway

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Afro-caribbean restaurant has opened in a former pub in Ashford town centre, serving jerk chicken, curry goat and jollof rice. Mum-of-three Janet Odeyale, known as Lady Jay, pictured below, has turned the Old Prince of Wales pub into Jays Soul Food, offering a variety of Afro-caribbean and West African cuisine. The 19th century building had been boarded up since 2019 but opened to the public last week. The restaurant has room for around 80 guests but this can rise to 120 with the new outdoor barbecue area.