What appealed to you about owning a pub?
I had never intended to buy a pub, but the Rock was very special to me and I wanted to see it flourish and remain at the heart of the community.
Did you have to do a lot to the building?
As you can imagine, a building that is nearly 500 years old takes some looking after, although you have to admire the skills and workmanship of the people who built it so long ago. In January this year, Emma Welch and her husband, Jim, took over the tenancy and have transformed the place. The internal alterations have been made to make the best use possible of the space available.
What sort of pub did you want to create?
I didn’t want The Rock to be a restaurant with a bar, but a pub serving good food, which is exactly what Emma and Jim have created.
How much are you involved with the day-to-day running of the pub?
The day-to-day running is now entirely in the very capable hands of Emma and Jim.
How important is The Rock Inn to the local community?
Very much like any village pub, the Rock is at the heart of the community. On election days, the top bar is the polling station for the hamlet of Chiddingstone Hoath!
What plans have you got lined up for its future?
I’m very happy with the way the Rock is developing, so no other plans lined up.
Do you plan to buy any more pubs?
Definitely not! The Rock is the only one that matters to me!
The Rock Inn, Hoath Corner, Rywell Hill, Chiddingstone Hoath, Edenbridge TN8 7BS Phone: 01892 870296