Pub openings
The Duke of Edinburgh, Maidstone
The Duke of Edinburgh in Barming, near Maidstone has opened after the nineteenth century pub has seen a renovation to open the bar area up and allow more seating.
A £130,000 refurbishment project has been completed at the Shepherd Neame pub, including adding a cosy area for a more intimate setting.
New wooden flooring has been laid throughout the pub, with carpet in the snug area, and the toilets have been refurbished.
The Duke of Edinburgh has been completely painted inside and out, and new seating has been installed on its rear terrace, with new exterior lighting.
Licensee Adam Phillips first took on the pub 10 years ago. He said: “I am absolutely over the moon. We have so much more space for drinkers, and the décor has really been freshened up and given a contemporary feel, which is great.
"The pub’s new look is really helping us appeal to new customers, for example, we have already noticed a lot more women coming in.”