New Faces Behind the Bar at Traditional Country Pub

A pub licensee who grew up in Romney Marsh has returned to the area to take on the Woolpack Inn in Brookland.

Lydd-born Daniel Ray, 25, is running the Shepherd Neame pub with his Mum and business partner Tracey Ray, following a successful four year stint running another of the brewery’s pubs, The Artichoke in Chartham.

The historic pub, which dates from 1410, has retained many of its original features such as wattle and daub walls and low oak beamed ceilings. When the weather is fine, customers can enjoy sitting outside in one of the pub’s two large beer gardens, boasting panoramic views of the Romney Marsh countryside.

Former Marsh Academy pupil Daniel said:

Mum and I know the Woolpack Inn well, as she worked for 25 years in the bar and kitchen, and I worked at the pub from the age of 13, learning every aspect of the business. Mum and I started working together after Shepherd Neame asked us to be temporary managers at a pub in East Sussex, and we went on to The Artichoke. We really enjoyed it there, but when the Woolpack Inn became available it seemed the perfect opportunity. Mum was still living in Lydd, so it was more convenient to be near home, and we obviously know the pub and area really well.