Our new general manager at The Limes

Faversham’s a home from home for new general manager of town centre pub The Limes

She may not have run a pub in Faversham before, but for the new General Manager of Shepherd Neame’s The Limes, taking on a pub in the brewer’s hometown feels like a homecoming.

Lauren Weight, 39, has run four pubs for Britain’s oldest brewer, but her latest role at the Preston Street pub is the closest to home, with her family and her partner’s family living in the town.

As well as taking on a thriving, traditional pub in the heart of the market town, her new position means plenty of family time and a chance to be part of the action when the Faversham Hop Festival arrives on the streets this weekend (Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6).

The Limes, located just a minute’s walk from Faversham railway station and a short distance from Shepherd Neame’s historic brewery, has a strong reputation for live music, sport and community events. It also offers a delicious menu of sharing platters, light bites and pub classics, alongside a wide selection of Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers, and premium wines and spirits.

“It really does feel like a homecoming,” said Lauren. “With family down the road, and Shepherd Neame’s brewery nearby too, it’s a great place to be.

“We always wanted to end up over this way - it just took a few years. I’ve been coming to the Faversham Hop Festival for more than 10 years, but I’ve never worked in a pub while it’s been on, so that will be quite a baptism of fire!”

Lauren has taken on the site with a long-serving, bubbly team, and she says any improvements will be a ‘team effort’.

She plans to freshen the pub’s décor, and encourage greater use of its generous first-floor function space, which has its own bar and can host everything from private parties and celebrations to meetings and community events.

Having most recently run The Bricklayer’s Arms in Bromley, where interactive darts proved popular, Lauren is also considering introducing the activity at The Limes.

“The Limes is a great, classic pub and it’s got lots of regulars. I’ve run a variety of pubs, this is my fourth with Shepherd Neame now, and they have been traditional and games and sports-focussed - The Limes brings those elements together. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in over the next few months.”

The pub is also where the daily parade for the Hop Festival begins, and will be buzzing with live music throughout the weekend, with barbecue food available in its beer garden. Once the festival has passed, the focus will turn to encouraging festive bookings in the run-up to Christmas.

You can find The Limes at 59 Preston Street, Faversham, ME13 8PG, by calling 01795 532007 or by visiting www.limes.pub.