Village Inn, formerly owned by Paul Hollywood’s wife, slated for reopening

A village public house, previously managed until recently by the spouse of television baker Paul Hollywood, is scheduled to recommence operations under new proprietors, notwithstanding the approval of proposals to convert it into a residential dwelling earlier in the year. The Chequers Inn, located in Smarden, Kent, will resume operations on Wednesday, following its sale by Melissa Hollywood’s family in early November. The proposal to redevelop the 600-year-old establishment had encountered resistance from certain local residents and a parish council, who expressed concerns about losing a “heritage asset”. Mr. Hollywood, who was present at a council planning session, stated in August that the criticism directed at his family regarding the closure had been “unforgivable”. In an interview with BBC South East, he remarked: “The vindictiveness from the locals towards the family who have been here 18 years is unforgivable.” Mr. Hollywood, who wed the landlady of the Grade II listed establishment last September, commented: “I have given a substantial amount of money to turn it into what it is now. “It is a beautiful pub but it is a business that is losing money.”” Mrs. Hollywood’s family announced on Facebook that they had sold the pub “with heavy heart” and characterized it as a “bitter sweet day”. The announcement extended wishes of “every success” to the new proprietors, local residents Simon and Clare Wilding, and expressed gratitude for their “support through this difficult time”. The family further stated: “It’s now time to enjoy being the other side of the bar and continuing to be part of The Chequers Inn by supporting it as a customer.”