Most MPs have had their minds fully engrossed with the dramatic events in Westminster over the past few days, but Tom Tugendhat still found time to pop into The Plough at Trottiscliffe.

The MP for Tonbridge and Malling was keeping a long-standing appointment with the village shareholders who now own the pub.

Back in 2020, Enterprise Inns declared The Plough in Taylors Lane unviable and announced they would put it up for sale for housing.

But 112 villagers were determine to prove them wrong and dipped into their own pockets to raise the £570,000 necessary to buy and refurbish the building which is now owned by Trottiscliffe Community Benefit Society.

Far from interest waning with passing of time, the pub has prospered, especially since Covid, and the number of investors has now risen to 127.

It is run by the Yates family, with Alex Yates the head chef serving up delightful meals in the Bowleys Restaurant.

Mr Tugendhat visited last Friday lunchtime and was impressed with what he found - particularly the chef's vegan canapes.

He was also interested to hear how the pub had helped to support other local business, buying its meat from local farms, its cheese from Winterdale Cheesemakers in Fairseat, and wine from the Redhill Winery in Wateringbury.

In addition, the pub has its own allotment to supply its own fresh vegetables and many villagers keep it supplied with fruits from their own trees in season.

More information here.

Booking for the restaurant is now essential on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The Plough has been a licensed premise since 1817. The building dates from 1483.