Mark and Agnes Pringle liked their new local pub so much they decided to take over running the Dog and Bear Hotel, in Lenham.
Mark Pringle at the bar of the Dog and Bear Hotel, Lenham, which he runs with his wife, Agnes. Photograph: Shepherd Neame
The pair had become regular customers at the 17th century hotel overlooking the picturesque village square after moving to their new home earlier this year.
Mark said: “I have worked as a manager in the hospitality industry for more than 26 years, most recently running a restaurant in Chatham for the past eight years.
“I was looking for a new challenge, and when the general manager’s role came up at the Dog and Bear it seemed perfect. We always enjoyed coming here, and the opportunity to really become part of the community and integrate into village life appealed to us.” Agnes has become the pub’s chef.
After a few weeks settling in, the pair are loving it — particularly the short commute! Mark said: “It is great to meet the locals and to interact with them, and it makes me feel more involved in the village. I actually know people’s names and faces! The team have made us feel very much at home too — and it takes five minutes to walk to work.”
Having worked for other pub companies before, he added that it had been a pleasant experience joining Shepherd Neame, having received a warm welcome from everyone at the family-run brewery.
