News
Staff planning takeover at troubled restaurant
STAFF at the troubled Fancy Goat in West Malling have revealed plans to take over the restaurant which has been placed in the hands of insolvency specialists. It follows a very public protest outside the restaurant by an un- happy supplier that led to its direc- tors pulling the plug on the popular eatery. Butcher Norman Gunne (right),
of Gunne Butchers Ltd, of Bexhill, says his High Street placard- waving protest was a last-ditch at- tempt to get the restaurant’s direc- tors to pay his £9,000 bill. A member of staff: “Thiswas the
first we knew about any problem. The restaurant is always busy and there was no inkling of any finan- cial concerns.” The umbrella business, Todo
Sobre Ltd, of Cooling Close, Maid- stone, is now in the hands of insol- vency specialistsWilson Field. The company has been ap- pointed as licensed insolvency practitioner, butwas unable to pro- vide any further detail. A Wilson Field spokesman said: “Insolvency and turnaround spe-
been very supportive.” The restaurant was being run by managing directors Greig Alexan- der Hills (40), of High Street,West Malling, and Steven John Sydney Wiseman (40), of the same address. They were appointed as directors in February 2016. Paperwork lodged with Compa-
nies House shows Todo Sobre Ltd waswarned in December 2015 that it faced being struck off and dis- solved, but that threatwas lifted in early 2016. Mr Gunne (78) said: “This is a
cialist, Wilson Field has been en- gaged to advise the directors…At this stage, until further information has been obtained,we are unable to make a comment, but creditors will be advised in due course.” A member of The Fancy Goat’s
waiting staff said: “Unfortunately, the public don’t realise that the staff haven’t been paid since May, ei- ther. Butwe are united inwanting to keep the restaurant going as a mini co-op, from the bottle boy to the head chef, and have been rene- gotiating with our suppliers, in- cluding Mr Gunne, who have all
lovely place with some good re- views. “However, the owners had not settled my bill and refused to dis- cuss it. While some people are happy to behave like this and can sleep at night, that’s not my way and I had to demonstrate enough was enough. “No onewants to put anyone out
of business and I will work with the staff on a cash basis if they can keep the business going. It is a shame that these nice people are caught up in a quagmire that is not of their own making.”
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8 Malling June 2016
downsmail.co.uk Concert dates
THE Maidstone Singers are giving two summer concerts, embracing major sacred works by two of Britain’s leading composers. The first is at All Saints’ Church, Maidstone, at 7.30pm on Sunday, June 19, and the second at St Mary’s Church,West Malling, on Saturday, June 25. The choir will first sing Bob Chilcotts’ Requiem, while the sec- ond will be a rendition of Karl Jenk- ins’ Stabat Mater. Tickets cost £12 (under 18s free)
from tickets@themaidstonesingers.
org.uk or by calling 01622 630016.
Village fete RYARSH village fete returns on Saturday, June 18. There will be more than 60 stalls
and attractions including livemusic, inflatable slide, bungee trampoline, archery, sand art, hog roast, cream teas and tarot readings. The fete is on the green from 1pm
to 5pm. More details at www.face-
book.com/RyarshVillageFete.
Bats restriction TRAFFIC calming measures will not be installed on the approach road to the 700-home development at Ley- bourne Chase because of roosting bats. Builder Taylor Wimpey says the presence of the animals means pelican crossings and streets lights cannot be put in.
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