Entrepreneur Rich Martin is toasting the launch of his latest venture.

The 36-year-old businessman has come up with his own brew which he will be serving up at his inflatable pub.

Thirsty villagers in Allhallows, near Rochester, were left high and dry when their only pub, The British Pilot, closed during lockdown.

So Rich came up with the novel idea of a blow-up boozer where they can have a bevvy close to home at the recreation ground where he opens up every Friday night.

The boss behind the Air of the Dog company is a step closer to getting a permanent gig in the village and getting a liquor licence at the cafe in Cross Park.

Initially, it will open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday but if there is a demand he will also include weekday evenings.

He is awaiting the go-ahead from Medway Council’s licensing committee which he thinks could be within the next two weeks.

Rich, who lives in Gravesend, enlisted the help of a locally-based brewery to create Underdog, a citrus IPA.

He said: “It has really taken off. I wanted to do something to make people aware of my brand and grow the business. This felt like a natural progression.

“We messed around with lots of flavours and tasted lots of testers as well as asking the public. I sell it at all my events and the feedback has been overwhelming.

“I am in contact with local pubs and shops to add it to their stock and already have plans to add to the range, even a non-alcoholic beer.”

Rich is also branching out by hiring out his inflatable for parties, weddings and community events.

Rachelle Freeguard, a trustee of Cross Park and a parish councillor, said people were disappointed about the closure of the British Pilot and welcomed Rich’s alternative hostelry.

She said: “I’m not a big drinker, but there’s literally nothing here. A pub brings the community together.”

The liaison between the charity and company director Rich came about when Rachelle was looking for a bar for a party to celebrate the coronation at Cross Park.

Rich answered the advert, it was a success and he was invited back with his mobile pub for the village fete.

Rich’s business took off during lockdown when he and his dad Frank were unable to go to the pub for a cheeky tipple.

“It started off just as a chat and has now snowballed...”

Running the firm has now become a full-time job and he has won national prizes for his quirky idea.

He has also been ranked among the top 10 funniest small business names in Britain.

The former bar manager, who started off working as a waiter at the Manor Hotel in Singlewell when he was 17, said: “A village needs a pub.

“At first we had a few locals who told friends who have now become regulars.

“It started off just as a chat and has now snowballed.”