A new repurposed cafe has launched in the heart of the Weald.

The Trough in Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, is now open to the public.

It is on the same site as Charity Farm Country Store – a family-run business passed through generations for more than 60 years.

During this time they have evolved from farming oats, to selling their own eggs and now supply pet food, country clothing and garden supplies.

Holly Parkin has taken the reigns as manager of the new cafe, alongside her husband Ethan.

The 28-year-old said: “I started working part-time at our store when I was 13, then I went away for university and came back.

“I guess I’ve always been creative, I did an art foundation degree at Canterbury.

“A few other projects I’ve done include a mural painting on our outside wall and some renovations updating the store during a big reshuffle.”

Holly – along with mum Debby, dad David and sister Florence – started the project last May, when they decided to convert their old offices.

Holly says they wanted to have their own cafe for last 10 years, but needed the time and space to achieve their dream.

“We chipped out everything in there and moved a wall,” she explained. “Also built a kitchen from scratch.

“We’ve never done anything like this before, it was a lot of learning on the job!

“The name came from the fact that we keep pigs, it’s my dad’s hobby.

“Our original idea was that the core product we’d serve would be our own sausages and bacon.”

They are also very proud to have repurposed as many materials from around the farm as possible during the build.

Holly said: “The wood we have on the walls are recycled pallets and scaffolding.

“A lot of stuff is second-hand – the chairs as well as a glass display case which I got from Facebook Marketplace.

“Dad never throws anything away, so I made sure to do round trip at home before going out to find anything!”

The cafe serves a variety of dishes and drinks – including waffles, pancakes, sausage rolls, jacket potatoes and a selection of sandwiches.

“Our main draw I would say is the full English breakfast,” Holly added.

“I am pretty proud of our brunch selection as well, we tried really hard to have options for everyone – both veggie and vegan.

“Everything is homemade and is sourced locally.

“For example, our pork and bread are from local businesses in Cranbrook, and our coffee is from Flimwell.”

Opening day was on Monday, May 22, which Holly says was “definitely nerve racking” but a great success.

“Everyone has been really excited for it, which is scary because we have to live up to expectations,” she said.

“It’s been quite an ambitious project, and to see it come to life is really rewarding.

“I’m so proud of it and I hope everyone enjoys it.”

The Trough is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm.