The new manager of a pub has vowed to ensure it goes from strength to strength following the death of his much-loved predecessor.

Zoran Beasley dreamed of working at the Singleton Barn in Ashford when he was doing his paper round in the area as a teenager, and now he has taken on the role after 10 years at the pub.

He had been working as assistant manager to Darren Bispham before his mentor and friend sadly died following a long battle with cancer in June.

And although his appointment to the post is tinged with sadness, he says he will “continue to take [Darren’s] work forward - but with his own ideas too”.

“We are very good at what we do at the Singleton Barn, but I want us to be even better,” he said.

“Darren was great to work with - he allowed you to make mistakes and always offered support. We only had three cross words in 10 years of working together.

“He was a great friend to me and a great mentor as well. He would be chuffed to bits that I am here doing this.”

Zoran, 47, went into the hospitality business at the age of 18, starting on cruise ships in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

He has also worked as a wedding planner and restaurant manager at the Ashford International Hotel, and for pub groups Marstons and Mitchells & Butlers.

But his goal had always been to work at his Shepherd Neame local, and 10 years ago this became a reality.

He added: “If you cut me, this place will fall out, I love it so much.”

“This isn’t work for me - I really enjoy it. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

The pub is in a converted tithe barn which dates back to 1631 and still boasts original oak beams and rafters.

Zoran, who lives locally with his partner and blended family of five children, plans to ensure the the venue remains at the heart of the community.

He has been in charge of organising its popular August Bank Holiday charity family fun day for the past four years, which raised £7,000 in 2022.

The pub also hosts a celebration for the Year 6 leavers from the local primary school and Zoran plans to continue these events, along with the popular quiz nights.

“We are first and foremost a community pub,” he said.

“We are very lucky that we have always enjoyed great support from local residents and businesses, and we hope to continue building that relationship and ensure we do everything we can to support them too.”