An ancient pub set to open next month has been given a tongue twister of a name in a nod to its history.

The Pheasant Plucker in Ide Hill near Sevenoaks, which dates back to the early 1800s, was previously known as The Woodman but new owners Elite Pubs looked into its past to come up with the new name which could be a challenge when you've had a drink - or even before that.

The chain, which also runs the Potting Shed in Langley near Maidstone, had originally planned to open the Pheasant Plucker in February, after a full renovation, but lockdown meant the date was pushed back to Monday, April 12, when pubs with gardens can reopen under the Government's roadmap.

Its new name was chosen after it was discovered that the first wife of William Amherst, who inherited the nearby Montreal Estate from his great uncle, introduced the first Chinese pheasant to England and practised the ancient and skilled craft of plucking pheasants after many a game shoot.

A spokesman for Elite Pubs added, however, that the name was also "served with a side of tongue in cheek English humour."

The new team, led by manager Jozsef Csendes, who was previously general manager of sister pub The Vineyard, have been busy renovating and getting the pub ready to open, while keeping its traditional character with plenty of exposed beams, fire spaces and cosy nooks and crannies.

The team will be made up of some new staff and others brought in from other pubs in the chain.

Outdoor bookings are available from Monday, April 12, with indoor reservations following on Monday, May 17.

Jessica Lishman from Elite said: "We’re really looking forward to seeing our lovely customers, both old and new. And of course, we’re so excited to have the pub buzz back."

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