New licensees reopen Shepherd Neame’s Woolpack Inn

Shepherd Neame is set to reopen its 600-year-old Woolpack Inn in Chilham after undergoing a two-month refurbishment.

The new licensees, Gordon and Sharon Thompson, have put their four decades of hospitality experience into the project, along with their children and their partners.

The two-month renovation has seen the building’s period features “enhanced” while everything around them has been brought “up to scratch”, with the dark bar and dining room, and a bespoke reception desk in keeping with the character of the building introduced.

During the refurbishment works, they also hosted the winemakers from the 2023 harvest of the new Domaine Evremond sparkling wine, which is a collaboration between Champagne Taittinger and wine specialist Hatch Mansfield Ltd.

Additionally, the Woolpack has 14 hotel rooms, situated throughout the main house, The Old Stables to the rear and Rose Cottages across the road – these have their own private gardens.

The rooms will be refurbished in the new year, with new décor and features planned including natural floorboards and copper bathtubs.

All members of the family have had a hand in the renovation, from sanding and painting to interior design, copper work, graphic design and gardening, with all the carpentry works completed by their son-in-law Alan Cogger, who is married to their eldest daughter Leanne.

Leanne and their youngest daughter Molly Thompson will be running The Woolpack on a day to day basis, with help from the rest of the family.

The pub has also curated a new menu at The Woolpack, offering a diverse range of dishes from sharing deli-style boards, Ploughman’s lunches and homemade burgers with real hand cut chips to fine dining fish dishes and specials.

The venue is also offering prime cut steaks from the grill, a selection of slow roasted meats accompanied by purées and jus, along with many vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Additionally, an extensive range of ales and lagers is also on offer, alongside premium wines and spirits and a cocktail menu served in bespoke glassware.

The family who already run three other Shepherd Neame pubs and hotels between them, hosted a grand reopening, attended by invited guests, including the sheriff of Canterbury, Cllr Tom Mellish, and locals.

Sharon said: “It’s all about the family – we really couldn’t do any of it without them all. Gordon and I have a wealth of experience, which married with the youth and vigour from our children and their partners is why we are so successful.”

“Over the years the many businesses we have owned and refurbished has brought us to this point – taking on The Woolpack. Our expectations are very high of the finished results but with our experience coming together, we are confident this is the best that we have done.