From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Nicola Jordan, 27 July 2023.

Inflatable pub’s success after The British Pilot in Allhallows closes.

Thirsty villagers were left high and dry when their only pub closed during lockdown.

And since being told that they are no longer welcome to pop into the bar at the nearby holiday camp, there was literally nowhere for them to go out and have a bevy close to home.

Rich Martin, boss of Air of The Dog inflatable pub business.

But their prayers have now been answered in the shape of an inflatable boozer which arrives in the recreation ground in Allhallows every Friday night.

And there’s a chance that the businessman behind The Air of the Dog company may get a permanent gig in the village if he gets a liquor licence at the cafe in Cross Park.

Rachelle Freeguard, a trustee of the Cross Park charity and parish councillor, said: “People have been moaning ever since the "British Pilot" closed, and now they have been told they can’t go to the Haven Holiday Park for a drink either.

“I’m not a big drinker, but there’s literally nothing here. A pub brings the community together.”

The liaison between the charity and company director Rich Martin came about when Rachelle was looking for a bar for a party to celebrate the coronation at Cross Park.

Rich answered the advert, it was a success and he was invited back with his mobile pub for the village fete.

Rich’s business took off during lockdown when he and his dad Frank were unable to go to the pub for a cheeky tipple.

Running the firm has now become a full-time job for the 36-year-old from Gravesend, and he has won national prizes for his quirky idea. He has also been ranked among the top 10 funniest small business names in Britain.

The former bar manager, who started off working as a waiter at the Manor Hotel in Singlewell when he was 17, said: “A village needs a pub.

“At first we had a few locals who told friends who have now become regulars.

“It started off just as a chat and has now snowballed.”

At the moment he turns up with his inflatable hostelry along with pub garden-style benches and tables every Friday from about 6.30pm.

If he gets the licence for the cafe owned by the charity, he hopes to open up as a permanent base over weekends.