Community pub The Five Bells, in Halling, Rochester, has opened its doors after a joint investment of £73,500 by Admiral Taverns and licensee Samantha Thomas.
Setin the centre of the village, the pub has always been the social hub for the community, but Samantha and her team were determined to put something new on the menu at the Five Bells.
The refurbishment has transformed the pub’s dining experience, delivering a new kitchen where head chef Lu Latter has created a tempting menu of home-cooked dishes, all featuring locally-sourced produce. The new dining room seats more than 25 covers offering the perfect space for a quiet meal for two or celebratory dinners with family and friends.
The pub’s stylish and newly extended bar area is the perfect place for locals to enjoy a drink. A new range of local ales is also due to be introduced, adding to the extensive drinks menu already on offer.
Keen to develop the pub’s reputation as a social centre for the village, Samantha and her team have developed a busy events programme. Along with Sky and BT sports fixture screenings, the pub holds a weekly darts event and will be introducing a gin festival this Summer, through which Samantha hopes to share her gin expertise with customers.
The pub’s large beer garden is also a firm favourite with locals in the Summer months and provides the perfect backdrop to the Five Bells’ annual charity golf day, which will bring the community together to raise money for a local charity.
