Paul Hollywood and Wife Splash £80k to Save Historic Kent Pub
Celebrity baker Paul Hollywood and his wife Melissa have stumped up over £80,000 to try and save her family’s beloved, centuries-old pub, The Chequers Inn, in Smarden, Kent.
Historic Pub Faces Closure Amid Financial Woes
Melissa Hollywood, the pub’s long-time landlady, spoke at an Ashford Borough Council planning meeting alongside Paul, famous from The Great British Bake Off. They warned the committee of tough financial times threatening The Chequers Inn, a Grade II-listed village pub passed down through Melissa’s family for generations.
The family’s plan to convert the pub into a single house sparked local anger. Melissa insisted that, even if the conversion went ahead, the pub’s historic character would be preserved. She revealed their massive personal investment of more than £80,000, desperately trying to keep the business alive.
Community Fights Back to Save Smarden’s Heart
Councilor Kayleigh Brunger-Randell slammed the closure plan, warning of the loss to the local community and infrastructure. She urged exploring other options, including community ownership backed by government grants.
Russ Phipps from the Smarden Community Pub group stressed how vital The Chequers is to village life. He called on officials to find alternatives instead of shutting it down.
Decision Deferred as Future of The Chequers Hangs in the Balance
The planning committee didn’t make a final call, deciding to delay their decision until they have more info on the pub’s economic role and possible solutions. As talks continue, locals and the Hollywoods alike hope The Chequers Inn can survive as a cherished piece of Smarden’s heritage.
