From the https://www.kentlive.news By Adam John, 9 May 2018.

Beer lovers helped saved a popular Tonbridge pub from the hands of developers.

The Nelson Arms closed in February 2017 and was at risk of being sold off for housing.

A popular Tonbridge pub has been rescued from being turned into housing after punters clubbed together and, with the help of an award-winning landlord, saved the pub from developers.

The Nelson Arms, in Cromer Street, shut in February last year after Kent brewer Shepherd Neame closed its doors.

Since then the two-storey pub was in danger of being sold off for housing, prompting fundraising efforts from local punters and CAMRA-acclaimed landlord Matthew Rudd to step in and offer his services.

Mr Rudd has been the licensee of the "Windmill" at Sevenoaks Weald along with his partner Emma Cole for the past six years.

The pair now hope they can revitalise the pub, which will have up to 10 cask ales plus craft beers, continental lagers and cocktails.

Mr Rudd, 53, said: “Tonbridge has always been a busy town and this is a great community pub, in a great location close to the shops and the station.

"There is a real buzz about the town at the moment and we are delighted to become a part of it.

“The Nelson Arms has historically been more of a drinkers’ pub and we see no reason to change that – apart from improving the offering.

"We plan to have quiz nights, comedy nights and live music – but focus primarily on the quality of the ales.”

Matthew Rudd, 53, is an award-winning landlord who has owned a number of pubs.

The interior of the pub has been improved, with ceilings and floors being replaced as well as walls and pillars added to create three distinct bar areas – a saloon bar, all-purpose bar and a sports bar, featuring a 2.5-metre HD screen and surround sound, plus a juke box.

Along with their previous pub, the "Stilebridge" in Marden, the "Windmill" is a CAMRA award winning pub and even made it through to the national of the CAMRA Pub of the Year contest.

Paying tribute to Mark Hood and the Barden Residents Association who had fought to retain the building when developers planned to move in, the veteran landlord added: “This is such a part of Tonbridge’s history that it would have been a shame to close it down.

"Thankfully, largely due to the residents themselves, we have been able to take on the pub and re-open it for the purpose for which it was intended.”

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 21 December 2019.

The 33 pubs in Kent you have to drink at in 2020 according to CAMRA.

In total Kent has heaps of pubs listed in the guide and, while 33 of these are new entries, others have appeared in previous editions of the guide.

A total of 33 pubs from around Kent make up the new entries that feature in the 2020 edition of the Good Beer Guide.

The guide is produced annually by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the independent guide to the best boozers in the UK that is researched by unpaid and independent volunteers nationwide.

Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s chief executive, said: “For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK’s breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country.

“What makes the Guide unique is that all the entries are compiled and vetted by a huge volunteer team, based around the country. We work hard to ensure that all areas of the country are covered and, unlike with some competitor titles, inclusion in this book is dependent only on merit, not on payment.

“The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers.”

This pub is included in the 2020 list.

Nelson Arms, Tonbridge.

What the guide says: "Beautifully refurbished local, a few minutes’ walk from the railway station, featuring an interesting selection of cask ales and Chiddingstone and Double Vision cider.

"The interior has a nautical theme comprising the Nelson Saloon, Trafalgar Snug, Hardy’s Public Bar and Victory Sports Bar."