Three friends who love their local — The Carpenters Arms, in Eastling, Kent — have come together to take it on for their village.
Sarah Neaves, Mark Perkins, and Madeleine Bioletti
Sarah Neaves and Madeleine Bioletti, who have been best friends for 15 years, teamed up with friend and award-winning publican Mark Perkins to re-open the pub.
Their arrival proved popular, with 760 people turning up for their opening night. Sarah, a local fruit farmer, said: “The Carpenters Arms is the hub of the village, and it’s one of the prettiest pubs in Kent. I have loved it forever.
“I’ve lived in the village for more than 20 years. So when it became available, I thought, this is it!”
The five-week project to get the pub the way they wanted was a team effort, with their families also rolling up their sleeves and getting involved, including Sarah and Madeleine’s sons, who are also best friends.
Nestled amid the countryside of the Kent Downs in the quiet village of Eastling, the picturesque Shepherd Neame pub dates back to the 14th century, and is packed with original features, including authentic oak beams and inglenook fireplaces.
