The Farriers Arms, Mersham opened its doors on Saturday the 28th November 2009 after 5 months of extensive refurbishment. A full range of lagers and real ales, to complement the planned micro brewery, and wines is available in the exceptionally tasteful bar, whilst excellent food, sourced locally, comes from the re-fitted kitchen to the newly furnished Anvil Restaurant. Although the basic premises remain largely unchanged (because of restrictions applying to the listed 1606 building), former patrons find it almost un-recognisable because of the range and quality of the new decor and fittings – all designed and fitted by the 94 shareholders and a handful of local trades people.

Of particular note is the stunning new bar that takes the eye immediately upon entering the pub: it was built entirely by local craftsman Len Gibson, using reclaimed timbers of all types and an awful lot of skill. However, ‘twas Richard Tozer, furniture restorer from Bower Road, who provided ye final polish. The solid brass foot-rail before it, has travelled across the world from some former premises of The Mariners’ Mission in Hong Kong, founded in 1863.

In terms of creature comforts, customers no longer need fear the cold because local plumbing engineers Marleen van Cleef and Bob Terry have included full central heating in the complete re-plumbing: and a new double fronted log burner plus the second fireplace (with a now unblocked chimney), both add to the ambience and warmth. Frank has completely re-wired the electrics. As a necessary inclusion come the lavatories; these are both superb in appearance and quality – and again, they are all chosen and designed by the lady shareholders, who know what they want and what the men need. Furthermore the entire flushing system functions because the probably 30 year-old drainage to the sewer pipe, leading to the 20ft deep mains drainage under the road, has been dug out and repaired by the Capel Drainage Company – a relief, one might claim.

However, despite this top-to-tail manicure, the job is just half done! Permission has now been granted for a new kitchen, along with an increase in size to the dining area, enabling Richard Bishop (Managing Director) to say that before the summer, the hostelry will have no culinary equal, in the area! What customers currently see is a mere foretaste of what is yet to come: and all will be complemented, in a later construction phase, by landscaping of the field, gardens and parking area – not to mention the micro brewery that’s on the cards along with the new Village Forge function room.