Dartford family re-launch The Plough pub, Wilmington
Published: 06:00, 07 October 2020
Updated: 16:14, 19 October 2020
Three generations of the same family will be involved in running a pub following a £260,000 revamp with Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars.
The Plough, in High Road, Wilmington , is set to re-open its doors to the public on Friday.
The team includes David and Dilys Clack, who operate The Dart on Chastilian Road and The Chequers in Darenth, their daughter and son-in-law Nicola and Chris Tume, and their two grandchildren, 20-year-old Billy and 18-year-old Freddy Tume.
Having worked at her parents' pubs for many years, Nicola is taking centre stage at The Plough as its new licensee.
She said: "I jumped at the chance to take on The Plough – it's a dream come true to have a pub of my own.
"It's a beautiful building with bags of character but was in need of TLC and investment to give customers the comfort and quality they deserve."
"It looks amazing now, and we can't wait to show people their new-look local.
"Residents have been incredibly supportive of the refurbishment, and we can't thank them enough for all their good wishes and positive comments.
"The Plough has been closed for more than six months now and they're desperate for it to re-open, we're excited to be finally opening and look forward to welcoming them back."
Original features such as the old wooden bar, beams and fireplace have been restored and a new kitchen and toilets installed.
The pub now boasts a dining area which accommodates 40 people as well as a bar with big screens.
A second phase of work is planned for the winter to further develop the outside space and install covered sections.
The family has put a host of safety measures in place to keep customers and staff safe.
Customers will be greeted at the door and shown to their tables, which will be sanitised between each use.
The refurbishments were completed with a hand from Star Pubs & Bars which represents The Plough.
Its operations director for Kent Dugald Macer said: "Nicola and her family have a great track record of creating outstanding pubs in Dartford.
"They've got brilliant local knowledge and understand what residents want."
Read more: All the latest news from Dartford
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Will Payne