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From the
https://www.msn.com 30 November 2024, Story by Mary Harris.
Small tight-knit Kent village 'feels empty' after closure of its
last remaining pub.
A picturesque village in Kent has lost its last pub - at least for
now - with the sad announcement of its closure made on Tuesday
(November 26). The stunning Rose and Crown in Halstead, a Grade II
flint pub, was owned and run by Tony Goode and his son Jack, along
with a team of "dedicated and friendly staff".
News of the closure with immediate effect, two days ago, was met
with sadness by villagers and beyond, with many saying they had
spent great times there, how welcoming it was and how they had made
friends there. One person said they enjoyed Christmas Eves at the
Rose and Crown and still held out hope they would return this
December 24 to their local.
The watering hole had a log fire and served home-cooked food,
including a Sunday lunch. But there is hope the pub may not be lost,
as it is expected to reopen on or before February 1, next year.
In a heartfelt statement this week, Mr Goode said trading conditions
were so tough it had been impossible even to make the business break
even. But he said: "Once I have more of an idea about what will
happen with the pub, I will provide an update on its future."
The free house pub in Otford Lane has been listed in the CAMRA
(Campaign for Real Ale) Good Beer Guide for years and is known for
its "well kept" real ales. They came from local breweries including
Larkins from Chiddingstone, as well as from around the country.
It was dog-friendly, and had a restaurant, and a beer garden, along
with a covered area for when the weather isn't nice enough to sit
out. It had the full five out of five stars on Tripadvisor, with
people appreciating the cask ales and excellent food, among other
highlights.
The latest review described it as "a great traditional pub", adding:
"Fourteen of us arrived for a Sunday lunch, to be met by very
friendly hosts; the service was great - nothing was too much
trouble, and the food was excellent. It was a perfect visit. Many
thanks."
Another said: "A real 'proper pub'! We often end up here after a dog
walk. There are some great walks around Halstead and this pub is a
fantastic place to finish. A great selection of well-kept beers and
who can beat an accompanying packet of scampi fries? Thanks - we'll
be back again soon."
It looked gorgeous in the summer with its many orange and yellow
hanging baskets adorning the front of the building. And it held beer
festivals and live music. Halstead is in the Sevenoaks district, and
is under five miles from Orpington, and six miles from Sevenoaks.
'Distraught at the news'
Villager Matt Hepburn said the village had already lost The "Cock
Inn," which had been there since 1780, and with the Rose and Crown
closure, Halstead was "left without a single pub". He told KentLive
he was part of a community of pub regulars of around 30 who were
"distraught at the news that the final pub in our village is now
closing".
"We used the pub for many family and community functions and the
village will feel empty without anywhere for locals to meet," said
Matt, who said the group would be campaigning to save the pub. The
Rose and Crown pub had reopened under new management on September
10, after a two-week closure.
But on Monday (November 25), Mr Goode told customers through
Facebook it would not open the following day and it was then Mr
Goode announced it was shutting "until further notice".
'With great sadness'
Mr Goode said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce
that the Rose and Crown will be closed until further notice. The
current trading conditions are such that it has been impossible to
make the pub break even, let alone make a profit, and sustaining the
pub is no longer viable.
"I would like to thank all of the staff that I have had the pleasure
to work with during my time here. I would also like to thank all of
the customers that have supported the pub over the last eight years
or so, many of whom have become great friends.
"Once I have more of an idea about what will happen with the pub, I
will provide an update on its future. Sincerest apologies to all
that will be affected by this news." |
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