A village pub has changed hands as a mum-of-four looks to give it “a new lease of life”.
Stacie Paige has taken over the Bricklayers Arms in New Hythe Lane, Aylesford, and has ambitious plans to turn it into a community venue.
New landlady Stacie Paige has taken over the Bricklayers Arms in Aylesford. Picture: Barry Goodwin
The 48-year-old, who is originally from Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, says she has moved to Kent to take on the site.
With previous experience in the industry, she says she is already planning for a complete kitchen to be fitted, as well as a revamp of both the exterior and interior to give the pub a “cosy, fresh family feel.”
Stacie said: “I loved it when I did it before – I was in hospitality for years and years and years.
“Now my kids are older, I wanted to take on a pub again, and I saw this opportunity and decided to go for it.”
Under her leadership, Stacie says the public house will be community-focused and is eager to take suggestions and feedback from local residents.
The Bricklayers Arms in New Hythe Lane, Aylesford. Picture: Barry Goodwin
She said: “I want the locals to have an input because it’s very, very obvious that a lot of people care about this place.
“Many have offered to help us, even with regard to clearing it, and I’ve had someone come and take photos for me and not charge me for it.
“Everyone’s saying they just want their pub back.”
As of Monday (May 11), she officially changed hands with the previous tenants who had run the Bricklayers Arms for the last 11 years.
Though the pub has already had a soft launch, reopening celebrations are taking place over the weekend.
Stacie is planning a revamp of both the exterior and interior
Stacey said: “It’s a bit of a work in progress, it has been needing a very good clean and a very good spruce up, but we’re going to get there.
“It’s very tired – it just needs a new lease of life, basically.”
Once the kitchen is completed, it will be serving “well done pub food”, from gourmet burgers to pizzas and steaks. A separate kids’ menu will also be on offer.
On Sundays, there will be what Sophie has dubbed “rhythm and roast” with live music performed during afternoon meals.
Plans are in the works for a mystery menu offering more gastro-style dishes every six weeks for a limited number of people.
Stacie wants to give the pub a “cosy, fresh family feel”
As well as the pub itself, the beer garden is also set for a makeover with new undercover seating. Options of putting an outside bar there are also being explored.
The official opening celebrations began last night (Friday) and are continuing today and tomorrow.
There will be DJs, sing-alongs, discos and for children a bouncy castle and face-painting.
Stacie added: “We would love you all to support us in our new venture.”