BRITAIN’S OLDEST BREWER INVESTS IN THE PRESERVATION OF KENT’S HERITAGE

Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame has invested in a traditional handcrafted re-thatch of the historic Chestfield Barn pub and restaurant near Whitstable.

Dating back to the 14^th century, the Grade II Listed building was originally a tithe barn, before being converted into a golf clubhouse and tea rooms in the 20^th century. It was acquired by Shepherd Neame in 1988.

Master Thatcher Glen Charter, a traditionally trained craftsman who lives locally in Eastling, started the project in January. He worked closely with Shepherd Neame’s property team, using archive photographs and documents to guide its look and feel. Work involved the removal of all old thatch, fitting a waterproof membrane and battening to strength the structure, and finally a re-thatch, using water reed.

Glen said: “While a regular maintenance programme had been undertaken, the thatch had come to the end of its life and was beginning to leak and deteriorate. I grew up in Faversham and was delighted to be asked to re-thatch such a beautiful, historic building in my local area. This was a particularly special job for me as the thatch at Chestfield Barn was last undertaken more than 30 years ago by my mentor Peter Brocklebank, just as I started my thatching career.”

Glen was assisted by two team members on the project, and there was a brief delay three months in, when the Coronavirus pandemic hit and the pub closed. Luckily, it didn’t affect work for long, as the roof area was big enough for Glen and his team to carry on with the job while observing social distancing. The job was officially completed this month when Glen added the finishing touch of two straw doves at the top of the building.

Glen said: “I have been thatching for 32 years, and it is a very specialised skill. There are only a few firms across Kent and Sussex. We all have our individual markers to show where we have worked, and mine is a pair of doves.”

Licensee Alan Clarke said: “Glen and his team have done an amazing job, and we are delighted with the finished result. It is a real work of art. The Chestfield Barn is not only a beautiful building, but an important part of the community’s heritage, so it is fantastic that Shepherd Neame has been willing to invest in this work to preserve it for future generations.”

Chestfield Barn is open every day, and serves food from 12 noon to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 12 noon to 7pm on Sunday. For more information visit www.thechestfieldbarn.co.uk or call 01227 793086.