A family-run business has seen one of its pubs named the best in Kent for the third year running.

The King’s Arms in Elham is a Grade-II listed 15th-century inn owned and managed by Contemporary Pubs.

It was awarded the accolade at Pub & Bar magazine’s 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards and follows success for the company’s other two pubs.

The Tiger Inn at Stowting and the Marquis of Granby in Alkham both won the award in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Managing director, Will Sheldon, who was born and raised in Elham, was happy to see their latest offering recognised with the award.

He said: “Our business is all about pubs and for The King’s Arms to win a national award just over six months after opening is a testament to the whole team.

“We take unloved pubs, sensitively breathe life back into them and put them at the heart of the community. It’s critically important to have a highly trained and motivated team to deliver the best quality local food and drink offerings.

“We are in a very competitive market, with people rightly being careful about where they go and what they spend, this award will strengthen our already strong reputation across east Kent.”

The pub was purchased from the Stonegate Group in October 2022 and then refurbished by Contemporary Pubs before re-opening in September.

The work included an extension to the pub, the installation of a state-of-the-art kitchen and back-of-house facilities for its 25-person team.

Our reviewer took in the pub in December after exploring the Elham Valley trail and hailed the “warm welcome” and “perfect fare” on offer.

Hugh Thompson, Contemporary Pubs’ group manager, praised the team behind all three pubs, which has helped them achieve national recognition.

He said, “We’ve developed a business model that works. We’ve created three exceptional pubs, each with its own personality, great atmosphere, and fantastic team delivering consistently great food and service.

Tristan O’Hana, Pub & Bar magazine's editor said they want to play a key role in promoting venues across the country.

They added: “Pubs and bars are facing some of the biggest challenges in recent history, so if the National Pub & Bar Awards can help by lifting sales across these venues, then we’re delighted to play our part.”

The King’s Arms will now go head-to-head with the 94 county winners for the regional and national titles at the National Pub & Bar Awards Grand Final on June 26 in London.