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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Cara Simmonds, 28 April 2023.
Shepherd Neame's Rockin Robin on the Green in Barming reopens as the Duke of Edinburgh.
A popular pub is set to reopen with new landlords and a new name.
The Rockin Robin on the Green in Heath Road, Barming, will welcome
punters back tonight with a launch party to celebrate the changing
of hands.
The pub will be going back to its original name, The Duke of
Edinburgh. Picture: Martin Goodman.
Since 2018, it was run by Robin and Michelle Gordon, who make
and sell their own beer made in their Rockin Robin Brewery.
In February, Shepherd Neame said it was looking for new tenants to
take over after the couple decided to step down.
Michelle previously told KentOnline: "It has been really good, we
have had a good time running it and met some fantastic people.
"Sometimes you have to have a change, we've had a challenge and now
want a bit of a normality.”
Since then the building – which dates back to the 1800s – has been
closed to the public.
What the inside of the pub used to look like. Picture: Steve Crispe.
It has now been redecorated. Picture: Martin Goodman.
The Faversham company decided it wanted the pub to revert back to
its original name, The Duke of Edinburgh, when it reopened.
Nikki Podac and her partner Gigi Bucur secured the lease for the
watering hole and are making sure their business continues to run in
the family.
Their sons Rick Bucur, 37, and Carlo Podac, 23, will become the
official landlords.
“It is with great joy and excitement we announce that our sons have
decided to extend the family business,” 42-year-old Nikki said.
“After amazing contributions at many places, including most recently
at our lovely unicorn, they will be putting their own stamp on a
beautiful venue.”
Nikki Podac and her partner Gigi Bucur. Picture: Martin Goodman.
Nikki pictured with Rick (left) and Carlo (right). Picture: Martin Goodman.
The family own another successful establishment in Kent, called The
"Unicorn" Pub and Restaurant in Marden High Street.
They also used to run the "Bull" in Tonbridge Road and say after 15
years are excited to return to Barming.
Nikki added: “I would like to give my special thanks to the unicorn
family and our friends from Barming who have been so patient with us
during this transition, as well as the love and support to help make
this happen.
“It’s been absolutely amazing, we are very confident on the opening
– lots of family and friends are coming tonight.
“We have re-decorated the pub completely and will be changing the
name officially in the next few weeks, once paperwork is processed.”
The pub is open from 6pm tonight (April 28).
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