Manor Farm Barn unveils £60K refurbishment

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has completed a £60,000 refurbishment of Manor Farm Barn in Southfleet.
 
Originally an 18th-century threshing barn, it was extensively restored in 2001, creating Britain’s first 21st-century thatched pub and winning a CAMRA Pub Design Award.
 
The recent refurbishment was aimed at blending its agricultural origins with a stylish new look, creating an even more welcoming and atmospheric space for customers to drink and dine.
 
Striking new lighting, décor and furnishings have been introduced throughout, chosen to complement the stunning natural light and original oak timbers that make this space so unique.
 
The ground floor layout has been reconfigured to create a more spacious feel, and historic farming artefacts including ploughs, presses and two 19th century threshing boards - originally used to separate cereals from their straw - now adorn the walls to reflect the barn’s past. 
 
Outside, the swing sign, depicting a farm worker with pitchfork and ale in hand to honour the pub’s heritage and unique setting, has been refreshed. Wooden barrels have been transformed into planters positioned around a new pergola at the pub’s entrance, which is now lined with festoon lighting.
 
Shepherd Neame’s Director of Property Development and Sustainability Martin Godden said: “Sustainability was at the heart of this refurbishment. Every feature has been repurposed, reused, or upcycled where possible. Our team have done a fantastic job, turning the project around in a short period, ready for the busy festive season ahead.”
 
To complement the pub’s refreshed look and feel, customers can now enjoy a new bar menu featuring a delicious selection of light bites designed to pair perfectly with Shepherd Neame’s award-winning ales and lagers, as well as the pub’s extensive wine list.
 
The pub continues to offer its popular Afternoon Tea, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury creations handcrafted by its team of chefs. It also boasts an extensive lunch and dinner menu, served from 12noon to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 12noon to 8pm on Sunday, with booking advised for the pub’s popular Sunday Roast.
 
Retail Operations Director Shane Godwin said: “We are really pleased with the results of this refurbishment project. Manor Farm Barn is a unique space and our aim with this investment was to celebrate and showcase its history and character while creating a comfortable, stylish environment for customers to enjoy.”
 
Find out more at www.manorfarmbarnsouthfleet.co.uk