News


Revived pub is set to diversify


BEARSTEDresidents are set to see the returnof a 150-year-oldpub,but perhaps not as they remember it. The Lion of Kent, in Ashford


Road, has been aimedmainly at en- thusiasts ofTVsport in recent years. But the newowners have taken its


original name, The Yeoman, which dates back to 1861, andthe business, due to open inNovember,will focus on top quality food. Clearly, Kent Pub Co. Ltd, has set


its sights high.Apromotional video contains mocked-up images of a Lamborghini andBugatti in the pub car park. As an investigation by this news-


paper revealed earlier this year, most pubs cannot survive unless they can diversify into other areas. Asked if this was a factor in the


decision to change, spokesman for owners Kent Pub Co. Ltd, Jonathan Mclean, said: “It is not the sole driv- ing force behind it, but it is an un- fortunate fact that local boozers at this point, unless you are in a small village and it is the only place to go,


don’t really dowell anymore. “Unless you are established and


have a focused clientele, it just does- n’twork. It is also thepremiums that breweries put on you and the buy- ing prices. “Everyone complains about the


cost of a pint,which is justified, but theydon’t see the astronomical taxes and premiums that breweries and leaseholders put on the barrels. “The black and white of it is that


the money is in food and not in beer.” Newgeneralmanager of the Yeo- man, Kevin Dickson (left), said: “The beer-led pubs going back to the older days used to have opening times of 12- 3 and7-11, so youat-


tracted just the drinking guy. “Times have changed – now you


have familieswith kids coming in so it makes sense to have the garden and the food on offer so you can be open all day.”


downsmail.co.uk Olympian inspires pupils


DOUBLE Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold visited Madginford Primary School inMaidstone. As part of its annual sports’ week, the school had arranged for the


Olympian (29) to visit to talk to the children on September 4. The pupils were able


to touch Lizzy’s gold Olympic medal and find out about her path to success. Head


teacher


Amanda Woolcombe said: “Itwas thrilling to welcome Lizzy to our school. She is a great inspiration to everyone and I know our chil- dren loved the oppor- tunity tomeet her. “We would like to


thank Lizzy for taking the time to come and meet us.Wemay have a future Olympian in ourmidst now who will come back to visit us in years to come.” Lizzy,who attendedMaidstone Girls’ Grammar School,won consecutive


golds in 2014 and 2018, to become the most successful British winter Olympian and themost successfulOlympic Skeleton athlete of all time from any nation. MrsWoolcombe added: “The children were amazed that Lizzy slides at


over 90mph, but did not take up the sport forwhich she is famous until she was 18 years old. “Lizzy really inspired the children but also noticed how respectful they were. Many thanks toMiss Helen Ralph for organising this event.”


Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers


• Free valuations • Regular fine & general auctions • Probate & Insurance specialists • Home visits


Saturday 13 October 8pm


Celebrate the life of your loved ones on our atmospheric 8 mile circular moonlit walk from Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford (ME20 7PU). Have fun and raise vital funds in sponsorship for your local Hospice.


Book before 13th September for early bird discount


Visit:www.hokh.org/events Telephone: 01622 790195


Headline sponsor Speak to our specialists about selling your Silver 0800 881 5691 clientservices@gorringes.co.uk 15 North Street - Lewes - BN7 2PE www.gorringes.co.uk 10 Maidstone East October 2018


Registered charity number: 298164


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