The Rock, Chiddingstone Hoath

As it's the end of Matt and Laura's first year as licensees of the Rock, I thought it was time for me to put something into the mix. I am the owner of the Rock. I bought the pub in 1999 and leased it to Bob Dockerty at Larkins Brewery until October 2009 when Bob decided to give up the lease. I offered it to Matt and Laura who had no previous experience of running a pub but who have brought energy, enthusiasm and a cheery smile to the place. They've done a great job. When the pub closed for a couple of months at the end of 2009, there were those who thought I wanted to sell it as a private house. Not so. While there's breath in my body, it will stay as it is - a classic English country pub where all are welcome. And when there's no longer breath in my body, my family have instructions to keep it as it is. Please keep coming, give Matt and Laura your support, and continue to enjoy a very special pub. There are very few left!

29 Dec 2010 15:36