“Paul Hollywood and Wife Spend £80k to Rescue Family Pub – Here’s Why”
Paul Hollywood and his wife, Melissa, have invested over £80,000 into saving her family’s struggling pub, The Chequers Inn. The Grade II-listed establishment has been a significant part of Melissa’s family history, but financial difficulties have put its future at risk.
The Chequers Inn and Its Threatened Legacy
Plans have surfaced to convert the historic pub into a residential property, much to the dismay of the locals in Smarden, Kent. Nearly 50 residents expressed their concerns when the proposal was initially recommended for approval earlier this year. However, a planning committee decided to postpone their decision, leaving the fate of The Chequers Inn hanging in the balance.
Melissa Hollywood’s Personal Investment
During a council meeting regarding the pub’s future, Melissa, aged 39, and her husband, Paul, aged 58, revealed their substantial financial contributions. Melissa shared, “I have personally given £40,000 of my personal savings, as has my husband. My parents have contributed even more.” Despite their financial support, the pub continues to struggle, experiencing significant losses and a sharp decline in turnover.
Community Efforts to Preserve The Chequers Inn
Local residents are rallying together to raise £825,000 in an attempt to purchase the 14th-century coaching inn through the Smarden Community Pub group. This initiative aims to secure the future of the beloved establishment and keep it as an integral part of the village’s identity.
A Plea to Save The Chequers Inn
One member of the Smarden Community Pub group, Russ Phipps, emphasized the pub’s importance to the villagers, referring to it as a lifeline and a unique offering within the community. The collective plea from locals and supporters echoes a shared desire to preserve The Chequers Inn and its rich history.
Political Support for The Chequers Inn
Tory councillor Kayleigh Brunger-Randall voiced her support for the pub, highlighting the strong local backing for its continuation. Despite facing challenges, there is a united front advocating for the preservation of The Chequers Inn and its legacy within Smarden, Kent.