Dartford family take on The Plough in Wilmington with plans for £260,000 refurbishment
06:00, 08 August 2020
updated: 15:30, 10 August 2020
A family who already own two pubs are taking on a third despite concerns about the impact of coronavirus.
David and Dillys Clack are taking over The Plough, High Road, Wilmington, Dartford, and will inject £260,000, with the help from Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars, to help refurbish it.
The couple are also licensees of The Dart, Chastillian Road, Dartford, and the Chequers, Darenth Road South, Darenth, which they have run for 25 years.
The upgrade will look to improve a "tired pub" and introduce some home-cooked food.
Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 17, with the site expected to reopen in early October and create 10 jobs.
The refurbishment was originally planned to happen in April, but was put on hold due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Speaking about the concern of the pandemic and taking on a pub in a time of uncertainty, Mr Clack said: “A lot of people were concerned we’d pull out. But we’ve got a really good feeling about The Plough and we don’t want to let the village down, so we’re cracking on. After all the delay, we can’t wait to get going."
Daughter Nicola, who will be the licensee of The Plough, said: “We weren’t looking for another pub but regulars from the pub asked us if we’d consider taking it on.
"We fell in love with it as soon as we walked in. It’s a lovely old pub in a friendly village with a loyal following of regulars.
"However, to thrive for the long term it needs investment to broaden its appeal. The plans are just what’s required and will take The Plough to the next level.”
The development of the High Road pub will see new signs and lighting outside, as well as a transformation of the garden into a suitable space for outdoor eating and drinking with new furniture and lighting.
To cater for regulars who want to drink and socialise it will have a "spacious bar area" with Sky Sports and a dart board.
"I've passed The Plough hundreds of times but never dreamt it would be ours one day," Nicola said.
"We want to build on its reputation as a hub of the community and offer something for everyone and all occasions – whether it’s watching the sport, enjoying a family meal or having a ladies night out.
"My sons will be helping out too, so it will be a real family affair. We hope having a new look local will bring some much-needed cheer to people in these challenging times.”
