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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By liver Leonard, 24 January 2023.
Landlord of award-winning Kent pub The Compasses Inn in Crundale to
call last orders.
The landlord of a pub once recognised in the prestigious Michelin
Guide is calling last orders as he says the hospitality industry is
in a "scary state".
Ben Duckworth will pour his last pint at the award-winning Compasses
Inn, in the rural village of Crundale between Ashford and
Canterbury, on March 5.
He has announced the sad news to his customers, revealing that
despite the best efforts of him and his team it is "time to accept
defeat".
"The time has unfortunately come to write the post that we never
wanted to write," Mr Duckworth said.
"Despite all our efforts and hopes that we could make this business
work, sadly it's not meant to be."
Mr Duckworth took over the pub in 2021 with renowned chef Ben
Crittenden, who runs the Michelin-starred Stark restaurant in
Broadstairs, but the pair parted ways shortly after.
The Compasses Inn was previously owned by Rob and Donna Taylor, who
received a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide during their
time in charge.
Mr Duckworth - the co-founder of South London’s Affinity Brew Co -
says the company has struggled with challenges brought about by the
cost-of-living crisis.
He added: "The cumulative effect of the multiple let downs we've
suffered over the past year, together with the huge increases in
energy and suppliers' costs, has in the end simply been too much to
absorb.
"This is an unprecedented time for the hospitality sector, it's
genuinely scary to see the state it's in, and the businesses and
people within it desperately need your support and understanding
right now.
"The understandable downturn in people's spending as an inevitable
side effect of the cost of living crisis has completed this perfect
storm.
"We'd like to extend our thanks to everyone who's made us feel so
welcome during our year in Sole Street. We hope we've made some
lifelong friends and we truly hope that whoever takes over is able
to continue to offer you the pub experience you so badly desired.
"A huge thanks also to Shepherd Neame, who have given us every
chance to succeed and supported us when we most needed it.
"We've tried and tried so many different things, but our best
efforts haven't been good enough and it's time to reluctantly accept
defeat."
The Compasses Inn has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor and was previously
ranked number eight in a list of Britain's top 50 gastropubs.
In 2019 it also placed 19th in the UK's 50 best Sunday Roasts – the
only place in Kent to feature on that list.
Rosie Baur, landlady Lisa Smart and Lorna Blatchford pose for the
Compasses' 2007 charity calendar which was started to raise money
for cancer charities in memory of former regular Ian Parrott.
 Compasses former landlady Lisa Smart, left, is joined by Rosie Baur
to promote the pub's charity calendar.
The pub was threatened by closure in 2003 but was saved by Shepherd
Neame and reopened after a £50,000 refurbishment under new landlady
Lisa Smart, who had served behind the bar for the previous three
years.
The 15th century pub has seen a long history and has hosted various
community events over the years.
Staff and regulars stripped off for a series of nude calendars to
raise money for cancer charities in memory of former punter Ian
Parrott, who died in 2005, aged 49.
The following year, strongman Colin Anderson boosted funds to
support cancer charities when he lifted a 100kg log over his head 12
times in just 75 seconds.
Mr Duckworth is determined to make the final weeks of his time at
the pub memorable.
Colin Anderson lifts a 100kg log as many times as possible in 75
seconds to raise money for charity in 2006.
"Our last day of trading at The Compasses will be Sunday, March 5,
which is also the last day of our annual beer festival, Cask 23," he
said.
"We ask you to please support us and spread the word to help us to
sell out the festival and have a farewell party to remember."
Customers have already started to react to the announcement,
expressing their sadness about the closure.
One person commented: "Really sorry to hear this but the problem is
the current conditions, not you or your efforts. All the very best
for the future."
Another said: "Absolutely gutted to read this. We are really sad for
you as we know how immensely hard you have worked." |
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