insideKENT Magazine Issue 62 - May 2017 | Page 158
NEWS
CHIDDINGSTONE'S FAMED CASTLE INN
REOPENS ITS DOORS
The historic Castle Inn at Chiddingstone has been brought
back to life again this spring after being restored to its
former glory.
The much-loved local pub, located in a Grade II* listed building
at the heart of this National Trust owned Tudor village, had
been closed since April 2016. Now, however, it has reopened
its doors following a sympathetic facelift with new furniture
and fittings throughout.
“We have made the most of the lovely historic features while
also giving the inn a fresh, welcoming feel,” says proprietor
Nick Naismith, who lives locally and also owns The Wheatsheaf
at Bough Beech. “It was very important to us to respect the
incredible heritage of the building, so we have preserved all
the fireplaces, tiled floors and oak panelling, but have also
redecorated throughout.”
The reopening of the pub was marked by the cutting of a
ribbon by local resident Annie Gilbert who has lived next door
to the pub for 30 years. Long a fan of the inn, she would visit
even before she moved to the village.
“It’s such a stunning building, in such a beautiful setting, and
everyone was devastated when it closed as it’s such a major
part of the village,” says Annie, “Needless to say, we are over
the moon to see it open again.”
www.castleinnchiddingstone.co.uk
THE LEARNING SHOP AT BLUEWATER
PARTNERS WITH LOCAL CHARITY
TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT TRAINING FOR
THE HOMELESS
MULTI AWARD-WINNING LUXURY CAT HOTEL
OPENING IN MARGATE
Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel Margate, part of the multi award-winning
Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel Group is nestled in the peaceful garden
of Judith Andrews’ beautiful family home, located on the North Thanet
coast just a stone’s throw from the sea.
The five-star accommodation offers thermostatically controlled
bedrooms leading to safe garden play areas, allowing cats to enjoy
an environment that is close to the one they are used to at home.
Every detail has been meticulously planned with guest welfare, luxury
and hygiene in mind. Feline guests will keep their owners’ minds at
rest with regular updates and photographs whilst they are away.
Judith says: “We are so excited about opening the first Longcroft
Luxury Cat Hotel in Kent, and can’t wait to offer our guests and their
owners exceptional service and loving care in our stunning hotel by
the sea.”
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Bluewater’s pioneering
on-site recruitment
and training facility,
The Learning Shop, has
partnered with local
charity Porchlight, to
provide a new
employment scheme
that will help homeless
people in Kent get back
into work.
The week-long training course, held by The Learning Shop at
Bluewater, helped disadvantaged people overcome barriers they’ve
previously faced, due to lack of recent work experience or relevant
skills, by offering valuable advice and guidance on securing
employment.
In addition to the training, Bluewater and The Learning Shop have
also helped to remove other barriers that can hold back the Porchlight
residents when it comes to finding work by covering their travel
costs and providing clothes for job interviews.
The Learning Shop has taken their details and areas of work they
are interested in, with the hope of matching them to upcoming
vacancies at Bluewater.
Mark Pinkney, Porchlight’s employment coordinator, said: “The
importance of finding and holding down a job is more than just
receiving a monthly salary, and we’re really grateful to Bluewater,
Land Securities and The Learning Shop for their support.”