From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Jee, 16 October 2022.

Former William Caxton pub in Tenterden renamed The Print House in Shepherd Neame takeover.

A historic town centre pub is getting a makeover under new ownership.

The former William Caxton pub on the High Street will be changing its name after being purchased from Shepherd Name after more than 70 years.

Andrew Dixon is taking over the former William Caxton pub in Tenterden with his wife Seonaid MacDonald.

The 15th Century pub was named in 1951 after after the man who introduced the printing press to England in the 1400s, who some believe was born in the town.

Previously known as the Black Horse, it was put on the market for around £450,000 and has now been bought by husband and wife team Andrew Dixon and Seonaid MacDonald.

The couple, who live in Smallhythe, currently work as business consultants but have been running AirBnBs for some time.

As well as refreshing the interior of the pub – which they have frequented as locals – they are planning on renaming it The Print House.

"We have lived in Smallhythe for 11 years, and were based in Headcorn before that, so we know the pub well," Mr Dixon explained.

Work has already started on the former William Caxton pub in Tenterden.

"We were ready for a new challenge and we're both so excited to take on the pub."

Work is well under way, with the old name already having been stripped off alongside the accompanying sign.

The pair will be altering the style of the pub to ensure its longevity, and are aiming to open before Christmas – assuming works go to plan.

"There is already a number of rooms above the pub that were not used properly, so we want to incorporate them," said Mr Dixon.

"We will be bringing it up to date as a food and board Inn; a touch of class really.

"I'm keen to open before Christmas but haven't got a specific date yet – you never know if something could delay it so I'm staying tight-lipped for now!"

As local residents for more than a decade, Mr Dixon and Ms MacDonald say they are confident in the strength of Tenterden's High Street.

"We have already had a lot of interest from people coming past, and a lot of support for the idea," Mr Dixon explained.

"We know how passionate people here are about supporting local business here so it's a fantastic place to come to work."