Villagers unite to land Punch pub

More than 80 Kent villagers have clubbed together to save their local pub.

The 400-year-old Farriers Arms in Mersham, a Punch Taverns-owned pub, closed about six months ago, but residents were determined not to lose their village pub forever.

Locals, who stumped up £615,000, spent £430,000 on the purchase, with the balance being spent on the refurbishment. Each member of the syndicate has put in at least £1,000.

The consortium includes three plumbers, an electrician, three bank managers and a structural engineer. The project was the brainchild of local entrepreneur Richard Bishop.

Acting secretary for the group, David James, said it plans to extend the restaurant area to create space for an extra 40-50 covers.

He said there are serious plans to add a microbrewery in a disused outbuilding.

A spokeswoman for Punch Taverns said: "We are pleased to confirm that the Farriers Arms was sold to a large group of local villagers following interest from a number of parties, including some celebrity chefs. The sale, handled by Caldecotte's, is an excellent outcome as the site has huge potential including a five-acre paddock, which we understand the group intend to utilise for functions."

The pub has a main bar, dining room, games area, trade kitchen, conservatory and five-bedroom owner's accommodation. The group plans to reopen the pub by November.