|
>From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Louis Walker, 4 February 2026.
The Swan Inn in Little Chart, near Ashford, shuts amid ‘impossible’
business pressures.
The team behind a beloved village pub have called last orders for the
final time after rising costs made it “impossible” to continue.
The Swan Inn in Little Chart, near Ashford, which dates back to the 16th
century, closed with immediate effect on Tuesday.
The Swan Inn in Little Chart, near Ashford, dates back to the 16th
century, but closed on Tuesday.
The landlords, Lorna and Andy Sage, took over the pub in May 2024.
But they say ongoing business pressures have forced them into the
“difficult decision” to close the site, which is owned by Stonegate
Group.
Company bosses say they will now be “looking for the right publican to
take on the pub”, but the loss of the husband-and-wife team has sparked
sadness among villagers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Sages said they were making the
announcement “with heavy hearts”.
“After a lot of thought, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to
close the pub,” they said.
“This wasn’t an easy choice. Ongoing business pressures have made it
impossible for us to continue, and while it breaks our hearts, it’s the
reality we’re facing.
Customers have shared their sadness following the closure of the site.
“To every single customer who walked through our doors - thank you. Your
loyalty, laughter, stories, and support meant the world to us.
“We’ll forever cherish the memories: the live music nights, the bike
nights, the packed evenings, and the friendships that were made here.
“This place was more than just a pub - it was a community, and we were
lucky to be part of it. Thank you for the fun, the noise, the music, and
the memories.”
Speaking to KentOnline, Mrs Sage said she wanted to say “a huge thank
you to everyone who’s been in touch”.
“We can’t believe the number of people who have reached out, even from
as far as America, to say their goodbyes,” she said.
“We’ve also heard from people who held their relatives’ wakes at the
pub.
“It might not be the most positive, but it’s something we put a lot of
passion into, and I think it became quite renowned for - it obviously
meant a lot to so many.”
KentOnline’s Secret Drinker visited the Grade II-listed inn last year,
and described the site as “an absolute gem of a place”.
“Exposed brickwork, beautiful floorboard and packed full of fascinating
features and historic items,” he said.
“The incredibly local and iconic Dering windows are the icing on the
cake.
“The Swan Inn describes itself as a ‘country-style pub’, but this
doesn’t really do it justice as it has not just embraced the incredible
history of this wonderful 16th-century hostelry but has also mastered
the successful transformation required to make it completely
user-friendly 500 years down the line.
“The grass area runs directly down to a burbling stream, and I could
definitely picture myself sitting here on a summer evening.”
In January 2021, a car smashed into the side of the pub for the second
time in six months, destroying the wall at the front of the site.
The front of the pub was destroyed in July 2020 - and again just six
months later. Picture: Barry Goodwin.
Inside the pub following the incident in July 2020. Picture: Barry
Goodwin.
This week, punters have shared their sadness on social media following
the closure.
Paul Crook said: “When all the pubs are closed, people will realise what
a big mistake it was.”
Susan McCleave said: “You couldn’t have done more for your customers.
Thank you for the warm welcome you gave, the fun, laughter and
entertainment.
“Thanks to all of your staff and good luck to them, whatever they go on
to do.
“Good luck to both of you for the future, and take care.”
In a statement, Stonegate Group said it is planning to reopen the pub.
“We can confirm that The Swan Inn has recently closed and we will be
looking for the right publican to take on the pub, with a focus on
retaining it at the heart of the local community,” a spokesman said. |
)
