Pub of the Week: 'Meet the Landlord' at The Market Inn, Faversham

Posted: 27th October 2015

Your name and age: David Pott, 60

How long have you run your pub and what is your background in the business? My wife Suzanne and I took on the Market Inn 10 years ago. We ran another Shepherd Neame pub before that, the Beaver Inn in Ashford, for two and a half years.

The best thing about running a Shepherd Neame pub is? Being your own boss. We also really enjoy the social aspect of running a pub. We have a really diverse range of customers, and many of them have become friends.

Why did you enter the pub business? We had previously been living in Majorca and working in the yachting industry, but wanted to return to the UK. We both had experience in the pub trade and enjoyed it, so we decided that it was a good career option for us. I have family in Kent, so we looked for pubs in the county, and decided to go for the Beaver Inn.

When the Market Inn became available, it seemed a great opportunity, as it had so much potential. It is a nice size with a large garden and is in a great location just outside the town centre. We can also boast one of the best bat and trap pitches in the county.

What’s the most memorable moment since you’ve been licensee? Being voted Shepherd Neame Community Pub of the Year in 2009. We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the community, so it was lovely to be recognised with an award. We have teams for local leagues in bat and trap, pool, and darts; several social clubs use us as their meeting place; and we organise live music every Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Any particular ales you wish to highlight? We always have Master Brew and a seasonal ale available.

To find out more, visit the pub’s website or find them on Facebook.