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From the
https://www.kentlive.news By Mary Harris, 30 November 2025.
Britain's first 21st century thatched pub in Kent reopens after £60k refurbishment.
The 18th century threshing barn was extensively restored in 2001.
Britain's first 21st century thatched pub reopens after £60,000
refurbishment (Image: Frankie Julian)
A watering hole in a Kent village - claimed by its brewery company
to be Britain's first 21st century thatched pub - has had a £60,000
refurbishment and a new management team. As part of the revamp, The
Manor Farm Barn, in the village of Southfleet and three miles from
Gravesend, has new lighting, décor and furnishings.
The ground floor layout has been redesigned to create a more
spacious feel. The five-day refurbishment saw the pub in Southfleet
close on November 3 and 4, but it stayed open during the rest of the
works.
The pub was originally an 18th century threshing barn, and was
extensively restored in 2001, earning a CAMRA Pub Design Award and
the "first 21st thatched pub" accolade. Old faming artefacts
including ploughs, presses and two 19th century threshing boards,
the latter originally used to separate cereals from the straw, now
hang on the Shepherd Neame pub's walls "to reflect the barn’s past".
There's also a new pergola, with hanging lighting, wooden barrels as
planters, and the swing sign outside, depicting a farm worker with a
pitchfork and ale, has been upgraded. There's also a new bar menu.
Shepherd Neame director Martin Godden said: “Sustainability was at
the heart of this refurbishment. Every feature has been repurposed,
reused, or upcycled where possible.
"Our team have done a fantastic job, turning the project around in a
short period in time for the busy festive season ahead." "Manor Farm
Barn is a unique space and our aim with this investment was to
celebrate and showcase its history and character while creating a
comfortable, stylish environment for customers to enjoy," said
director Shane Godwin.
General manager Sarah Ousley outside the revamped pub
(Image: Frankie Julian)
New décor and furnishings at Manor Farm Barn have been added.(Image: Frankie Julian)
Cosier corners for a drink and a meal.
(Image: Frankie Julian)
A lovely countryside view of the Manor Farm Barn.
(Image: Frankie Julian)
Lit up at a night - the former threshing barn now Manor Farm Barn.
(Image: Frankie Julian)
Olde worlde beams at the Manor Farm Barn.
(Image: Frankie Julian)
A more spacious feel at the Manor Farm Barn.
(Image: Frankie Julian) |
