Landlords call time for final time

Landlords call time after more than 10 years behind the bar.

One of Kent’s oldest pubs will close its doors this week when landlords Kevin de Young & Christina Warren ring time for the final time. Kevin & Christina gave notice of their intention to resign the tenancy at The Ringlestone Inn to the brewers Shepherd Neame six months ago.

Mr de Young said he and his partner intended to take a long holiday and take things east before perhaps looking for another pub. They have been at the Ringlestone Inn pub, near Frinsted (south of Sittingbourne), for 11 years, but it hasn’t always been easy for them. Last year, the pair complained publicly about what they considered to be harsh and unfair reviews on social media. It followed a public social media conversation with a customer who wanted a glass of wine taking back. She also posted about the pub “nearly” refusing to split a bill which led to a reply saying “How can we nearly refuse to split a bill? we either did or we didn’t?” Some criticised the reply.

Mr de Young, who has been in the pub trade for nearly 40 years said “We need to be on social media, but theres been a definite rise in negativity” “People make anonymous complaints and get very personal”

He confirmed their decision to quit was partly because of social media problem. The pub dates from 1533, but patrons say its remote location makes it difficult to find. A Shepherd Neame spokesman said a replacement couple was in mind and it’s hoped the closure will be short-lived.