Latest news with #dogFriendly
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The community-loved Erith pub that keeps regulars coming back for decades
The Duchess of Kent in Erith has long been a familiar spot in the community, but few know it as well as its current landlady, Toni Stevenson, who has been part of the pub's story for over a decade. Toni took over the pub on Brook Street in November 2023, taking on the lease with a business partner after the previous landlady decided to leave. The pub is community focused with plenty of events held at the venue, bringing together locals at a family-friendly and personable venue. Toni told the News Shopper: 'I've worked here since I was 19 when I was at uni and just needed some extra money, so I started working behind the bar. I just stayed. I've never left. 'I was born in the flats at the top of the road and we lived a few doors down until I moved into the pub itself.' The pub's regulars are loyal, with many visiting multiple times a week, but she describes her clientele as a real mix. She said: 'There's a good core group of regulars that come in every day but Sunday's are our busiest. 'Some been drinking here for 10, 20 years. Some of them even longer than that, longer than I've even been alive.' She describes the pub's customer base as a mix of older locals, younger drinkers, dog walkers and families. She explained: 'We're right next to the park so we get a lot of dog walkers. We've been putting posters up that we're dog-friendly. 'We've got complimentary dog treats and we've just started selling dog ice cream.' READ MORE: The beer garden at The Duchess is one of its biggest draws, especially in the warmer months. It's a large outdoor space with plenty of seating, including new benches that were recently added. Plans for a children's play area are currently on hold but Toni still hopes to make it happen before the end of the year. Though The Duchess doesn't serve food day-to-day, Toni likes to offer something complimentary on busier days. She explained: 'We don't do food, but on Sundays I'll always do roast potatoes and if there's football on I might do a slow cooker of chilli and rice or some chicken wings. 'I'll just put it out and say, 'help yourself.'' The Duchess is a Star Pubs site, serving big-name beers like Fosters, Carling, Cruzcampo, Moretti, Guinness and Neck Oil. ' She added: 'We've got two cask ales on rotation. We try to change them every week.' Inside, the pub was given a light refurbishment by the brewery last year. The Duchess has Sky Sports and TNT and shows all major Premier League games. Toni recently organised an annual charity day in partnership with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Charity day in partnership with the Taxi Charity (Image: Toni S) She said: 'This year we had a military truck in the garden and a 100-year-old veteran called Dorothea came down. 'We had veterans here speaking to children, letting them play on the truck. It was amazing.' In the coming weeks, Toni Stevenson will take on the 54-mile London to Brighton Bike Ride on Sunday, June15 2025, to raise funds for the Institute of Cancer Research, a cause very close to her heart. Toni lost her dad to liver cancer in 2016, and since 2023, her mum has been bravely battling small cell lung cancer, a form of the disease that currently has no cure. Alongside the bike ride, Toni, with help from family and friends, has organised a series of fundraising events at The Duchess of Kent in Erith. These include drag bingo, bake offs, a chilli challenge, street parties, cocktail nights, medium demonstrations, and fun days. Toni hopes these events will bring the community together to support life-saving cancer research and honour those affected by the disease. You can find out more about these events on the pub's website.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Luxurious' restaurant on the edge of Cotswolds praised for its 'fantastic food'
A restaurant in a "beautiful location" on the edge of the Cotswolds has received a rare five stars from reviews on Tripadvisor. The Forge & Pheasant at Hartham Park Estate, in Corsham, was rated by reviewers for its service, food and staff. From beer-battered fish and chips to burgers and a Wiltshire cream tea, guests were eager to praise the menu. The website states: 'The Forge & Pheasant is a place to breakfast like a champion, to brunch, lunch and munch with your favourites. 'It is the perfect setting to park the pooch and grab a post-walk warming coffee, a respite to de-stress after the school run with a coffee and a cake – actually this is a place to eat cake at any given time!' Tripadvisor is trusted by thousands of people looking for places to stay, eat out or grab a takeaway. The Forge & Pheasant reviewers were quick to praise not only the food but the location and décor. 'Beautiful interior, dog friendly, excellent service and fantastic food,' one person said. 'Staff are friendly and attentive. Highly recommend this place.' Another added: 'What a beautiful spot, luxurious café with wonderful service and affordable menu selection.' The location was certainly the winner for this customer, as they said: 'Can't think of a more beautiful location for a meal or drink. 'Really lovely lunch - we had the lasagne and burger, both very tasty and generous amounts. Recommended reading: 'Beautifully historic' Wiltshire town once a 'vast royal forest' Marlborough tops Wiltshire's 'most desired' market towns Titanic violin played in film up for auction in Devizes 'We visited on another occasion and had the breakfast, again nice quality products and tasty. No complaints here!" They continued: 'Beautiful setting inside and out and having a wander around the grounds. Staff friendly and helpful. We will definitely return.' The kitchen at The Forge & Pheasant is usually open between 9am and 3pm.
