A village pub is welcoming customers again after changing hands and undergoing £100,000 of improvements to the kitchen alone.

The Tiger Inn in Stowting, between Folkestone and Ashford, was acquired in March by the Marquis Hotel Group.

The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashford-based GSE Property Group which also snapped up and revamped the nearby Marquis of Granby in Alkham.

The pub will be leased and managed by Contemporary Pubs Ltd, a family-run business headed up by Will and Nadine Sheldon.

Mr Sheldon, managing director of Contemporary Pubs, said: “The pub always had a great name and our families have known and frequented The Tiger for many years. When the opportunity came up to add it to our portfolio, we jumped at the chance.

“We have built a great team since opening the Marquis of Granby in 2019, and we are confident for the future of our industry and the communities we serve. I’m sure that will bring opportunities for us to add to The Tiger Inn and The Marquis of Granby.”

Improvements include a state-of-the-art new kitchen and a change in the position of the bar to make it more central.

Nadine Sheldon, director, added: “We will be offering dining inside for 75 covers, with a further 90 places outside on the new terrace.

“Moving the bar makes the whole pub a more spacious, welcoming place for our guests to relax and unwind. We’ve also created an exciting new area on the first floor, which means we now have a dedicated space for private dining for business and special occasions.

“We will serve local wines and spirits, as well as Kent and Sussex real ales from the original beer engines that have been restored as part of the refurbishment.”

The Tiger’s menu is overseen by Contemporary Pubs’ executive chef, Steve Piddock. He has worked at many leading restaurants, including two-star Michelin ones, and was recently promoted from chef at the Marquis. The pub will be managed by Dickie Freeman.

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