Shepherd Neame appoints GM of The Evenhill Inn
Hannah McDonough takes on the popular village pub from former licensee Fred Perry, who ran the inn for almost 15 years before retiring last month
Shepherd Neame has announced the appointment of Hannah McDonough as the new general manager of The Evenhill in Littlebourne, near Canterbury.
McDonough joins the pub with rooms in the heart of the Kent countryside from The Royal Albion Hotel where she has been assistant manager since 2019. She also served as acting general manager at the venue last year.
She takes on the popular village pub from former licensee Fred Perry, who ran the inn for almost 15 years before retiring last month.
The Evenhill, which was originally built as cottages in the 16th-Century, has 16 rooms and has recently reopened following the changeover to a managed house.
The venue has outside space for al fresco dining and dining, which Shepherd Neame plans to refurbish in the future.
Parry said: “I hit 60 and thought ‘you know what, I am in a position to take things really slowly’. I’m just having a break. I’ve been working in pubs for the last 30 years so it’s nice to take a step back.
“I thought of the staff and customers as friends rather than employees and customers. Working for Shepherd Neame has been absolutely excellent. I can’t thank them enough. It really is a family business, with everyone, including the directors, always willing to help out and support you.”
McDonough said: “They are a great bunch. It is such a unique rural setting, everyone knows your name and you know their name. There are a lot of differences between the Royal Albion Hotel and The Evenhill, and it is a change of pace for me.
“But I am very organised and also confident in my abilities. It is a fantastic pub and I’m really excited about the opportunities to take it from strength to strength.”
