The owners of a village’s only pub have confirmed they are “working as hard as they can” to see it reopened to the public.
Shepherd Neame has announced it is recruiting a new licensee to take over The King’s Head in Shadoxhurst, near Ashford.
The watering hole closed in December last year, leaving many wondering what would become of it.
But the director of tenanted pub operations at Britain’s oldest brewer, Greg Wallis, has confirmed the search for a new landlord is underway.
In a statement, he said: “We can confirm that we are currently recruiting new licensees to take over The King’s Head, Shadoxhurst.
“We are confident in the pub’s future and have plans for further external investment when the right applicant is found.”
A spokesperson for Shepherd Neame continued: “I can assure you we are working hard to get new tenants.
“A closed pub is not what we want, and we are doing everything we can to get it open.”
They added that, currently, there is no date for the pub to reopen, but they are working hard to resolve the situation.
It is not known why the previous tenants left, but the closure has left many villagers fearful for the pub’s future.
Commenting on social media, one resident said: “I know not everyone used the pub, but it’s vital to a village community to have one.
“I’ve seen first-hand what happens to a village that loses its pub. Often, the land is sold to developers!
“It’s a tough gig, but it has so much potential and I’d rather it back than another block of houses if we don’t support the new landlord.”
Another added: “Would you want to run or part-run a pub? It’s more than a full-time job with early morning and late nights.
“It takes very dedicated people and is a lot of work.”
A further commenter added: “How strange. It was a great pub with good food and will be missed. It always looked busy.”
Others hope whoever takes on the pub will be able to draw in the crowds.
“I hope the next owners are experienced landlords and know how to create that welcoming atmosphere coupled with amazing food,” one person said.
“That’s what draws people to a pub.”
#Shepherd #Neame #search #landlord #Kings #pub #Shadoxhurst #Ashford
Leave a Reply