A disused outbuilding at The King’s Head, Shadoxhurst, in Kent, has been transformed into a farm shop and community café.

King's Head Lance Culver
King’s Head licensee Lance Culver behind the counter in the farm shop and community café

Shepherd Neame licensee Lance Culver got expert help and a community services fund grant from Pub is The Hub, the not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs to diversify and provide essential local services.

The shop, which has already been trading for a number of weeks, was officially opened on 4th June by Damian Green, MP for Ashford.

“I’d been made aware of similar projects and it occurred to me that we needed to set up a shop and café here,” said Lance. Calls to Ashford Borough Council to ask about licensing and possible grants saw him directed to Pub is The Hub.

Lance said: “I spoke to a regional advisor called Tim Tempest at Pub is The Hub, who was very helpful. It’s a smashing organisation.”

Tim said: “The farm shop and community café are much needed in this area and will be a huge benefit to local customers and the wider community. This will provide a meeting place within the village, which will help to combat the isolation many have felt during these challenging times.

“Pub is The Hub is pleased to support entrepreneurial publicans such as Lance, who spot an opportunity to diversify for the benefit of the wider community.”