From the http://www.kentlive.news 27 October, 2016. By Sian Elvin.

A former pub in Plaxtol could be converted into a new coffee shop.

The Golding Hop, in Sheet Hill, closed on September 22, and its alcohol licence was surrendered.

But new owners have proposed to open a coffee shop in its place, with opening hours between 9am and 5pm.

The lawful development certificate proposal, submitted by Sheila Karam to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council on September 27, states: "Change of public house and residential to a café and residential."

A planning application does not need to be submitted because the change of use falls within permitted development.

The sale of the pub was completed through Porters Chartered Surveyors at the end of September.

The Golding Hop is set in a secluded vale surrounded by orchards and woods, and real ale and cider was served directly from casks behind the bar and rare ales often featured as guest.

It won the Campaign For Real Ale West Kent branch award for the Pub Of The Year 2004.

A special recipe in-house cider used to be brewed at the pub. Its large garden features a stream.

A decision has not yet been made on the proposal.