Pub operator Shepherd Neame is splashing out £300,000 on 'stretch tents' at 30 of its sites to provide additional space for outside service.

The Faversham-based firm, which has outlets across the south east, says each of the bespoke coverings will come with outdoor heatings, lighting and solar-powered fairy lights.

It comes after the easing of all Covid restrictions - dubbed Freedom Day - was delayed until July 19 amid a rise in the number of cases.

The tents have already been installed at the Albion Taverna in Faversham, The Spitfire in King's Hill and The Vine in Tenterden.

Director of retail and tenanted operations at Shepherd Neame, Nigel Bunting, said: “The Great British weather can be unpredictable, and we want to ensure customers can enjoy our pubs at any time of year, rain or shine.

“We recognise that despite the return of indoor hospitality last month some customers still prefer to sit outside, so these new structures allow them to enjoy our pubs in a protected outdoor environment. Also, with current Covid social distancing restrictions extended into July, these new stretch tents allow us to safely extend our capacity and welcome more customers in a safe way.

“We are incredibly pleased with the stretch tents completed so far, and are sure they will prove popular with customers."

London specialists Intent Production has created the stretch tents for the pubs.

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