The new manager of the Singleton Barn, in Ashford, has vowed to ensure it goes from strength to strength, after the death of his much-loved predecessor.
Zoran Beasley, behind the bar at the Singleton Barn
Zoran Beasley, who dreamt of working at the Singleton Barn in Hoxton Close back when he was doing his paper round in the area as a teenager, takes on the top role at the pub after ten years working there.
He had been working as assistant manager under general manager Darren Bispham when his mentor and friend died, following a long battle with cancer, in June.
And although his appointment is tinged with sadness, Zoran said: “I will continue to take his work forward, but with my own ideas, too. We are very good at what we do at the Singleton Barn, but I want us to be even better!”
He added: “Darren was great to work with. He allowed you to make mistakes and always offered support. We only had three cross words in ten years of working together. He was a great friend to me, and a great mentor as well. He would be chuffed to bits that I am here doing this.”
Zoran, 47, went into the hospitality business at the age of 18, starting on cruise ships. He has also worked as a wedding planner and restaurant manager at the Ashford International Hotel, and for pub groups Marston’s and Mitchells & Butlers.
But his goal had always been to work at his Shepherd Neame local, the Singleton Barn, and ten years ago this became a reality. “If you cut me, this place will fall out, I love it so much,” he said. “This isn’t work for me — I really enjoy it. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
The pub is in a beautifully converted tithe barn, which dates back to 1631 and still boasts original oak beams and rafters. Zoran, who lives locally with family, plans to ensure that the pub remains at the heart of the community.
He has been in charge of organising its popular August bank holiday charity family fun day for the past four years, which raised £7,000 last year. The pub also hosts a celebration for the year six leavers at the local primary school and Zoran plans to continue these events, along with the popular quiz nights.
“We are first and foremost a community pub,” he said. “We are very lucky that we have always enjoyed great support from local residents and businesses, and we hope to continue building that relationship and ensure we do everything we can to support them too.”
