Whatlington

Neil and Maria have obviously had an excellent first month at The Royal Oak. They write: We are now in our second month at the Royal Oak. We are still working hard to achieve all the goals that we have for the place.

We have started our renovation plan with the ladies’ toilets: the faulty cubicle has been fixed and we have decorated throughout. We have plans to decorate each and every corner/room of the pub.

We have also had confirmation from Shepherd Neame that they will be decorating the external front of the pub, to enhance kerbside appeal. They will paint the front and add some new flower baskets and remark the car park.

We have just had our first Meze Night on Saturday March 8th and are very happy with how it went. The pub was full and it was a vibrant, hectic night - just as we like it. All our customers were happy and enjoying themselves, which is very satisfying. We are now taking bookings for next Saturday.

The beer garden was open the last couple of days, with the weather being so lovely. Again, we have plans for the garden to be more child-friendly. We are going to install swings and other toys for the children in the next few weeks.

Our new menu is coming out in the next few days. We like to keep things fresh, so we will be making changes to the menu on a monthly basis, adding new dishes and using seasonal produce.

And finally, a big Thank You to all the locals who continue to support the Pub with their custom, loyalty and great sense of humour.

Jeffrey Bridges writes: A date for later in the month: Sunday March 30th is Mothering Sunday and Whatlington church will be holding a special service to mark the day at 09.30, in place of the usual communion service, there will be flowers for the ladies and the service will be followed by tea and coffee.

Also looking further ahead, now that we have returned to our restored 13th century church we will be resuming the tradition of Easter Lilies in memory of loved ones. If you would like to have a lily in the church for Easter to remember a loved one please get in touch with Valerie on 773017.

The church service next Sunday will be a Parish Communion at 09.30.