A village pub has closed just a year after its long-anticipated reopening under the leadership of a top-rated restaurant.

Fine-dining eatery Kathton House took on The Tyler’s Kiln in Tyler Hill, near Canterbury, in March 2022, but bosses were sadly forced to shut its doors last week.

However, the pub’s owner has confirmed he hopes to reopen it next month under new management.

Allister Collins, who lives in the village, bought The Tyler’s Kiln in 2012 before launching it in 2015 following a major refurbishment. It quickly became a key hub of the village, with Allister keen to ensure it “served the community”.

But it was hit hard by Covid and remained closed for 18 months, having not reopened when restrictions were lifted.

Villagers were left in the dark about what was happening with the venue, with Mr Collins revealing little about its future.

But last year, locals were relieved when it was announced Kathton House, which previously had a top-rated restaurant in Sturry, would be taking on the pub.

Bosses Justin and Corina Grenham introduced a new fine-dining menu under the stewardship of some of the area’s most talented chefs, winning a number of new fans and a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor. But Mr Collins says the couple made the “tough decision” to close last week after just a year at the helm.

He continued: “Whilst they were battling the same tough trading conditions as every other hospitality venue, they were sadly terribly hampered by a number of personal circumstances which eventually led to them making the decision to close. I wish Justin and Corina the best for their future and thank them for their efforts.

“No one ever intends to have to close a business like they had to, and they of course had many very happy customers who are going to miss them. I have been approached by a number of parties interested in taking over the venue and one in particular seems keen to move forward quickly.

“News travels fast and I think their interest has spurred on another couple of parties who also got in touch.”

Before the move to Tyler’s Kiln, Kathton House was a fixture of Sturry high street for 12 years, and villagers are now fighting to prevent the former premises being transformed into homes.

Despite Mr Collins describing Kathton House’s food as “top notch”, he says he fears the style of their offering failed to appeal to many in the local community.

He said: “In my opinion Kathton House at The Tyler’s Kiln did not successfully connect with the majority of locals in the village and failed to fully cater for what they wanted to get out of their village pub.

“Justin and Corina were on board with me from day one that the pub had to remain a community-first pub, but little priority was given to ‘pub food’.”

Recent dishes posted on the Tyler’s Kiln Facebook page included “Baron Bigod cheese with a warm raisin and cardamom bun and ‘Noble Rot’ jelly”.

Mr Collins says he plans to get the pub back open in time for locals to enjoy summer evenings in the beer garden.

He added: “It is likely we’ll reopen in the second half of April as talks are progressing quickly.”

The Grenhams were approached for comment.