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Copper Rivet Distillery, Chatham, reopens Pumproom bar for summer season

A major visitor attraction has reopened its riverside bar for the summer season.

Chatham Dockyard’s Copper Rivet Distillery will welcome people back to the Pumproom from today.

The Copper Rivet Distillery at Chatham Maritime. Picture: Chris Davey FM4811799
The Copper Rivet Distillery at Chatham Maritime. Picture: Chris Davey FM4811799

Bosses say the venue will open Fridays from 3pm-9pm, Saturdays noon-10pm and Sundays noon to 4pm.

The business also offers tours of its distillery where people can see how gin and whisky is made from Kent produce.

Although the bar is re-opening, the adjoining fine-dining restaurant will remain closed.

As we reported in January, bosses chose to close it down after four years due to financial pressures.

They said “rising costs” and “reduced consumer spending power” were contributing factors.

The Pumproom bar at Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham reopens on Friday May 16
The Pumproom bar at Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham reopens on Friday May 16

A social media post said: “The recent government budget has significantly increased operational costs and worsened still the business outlook, pushing the restaurant’s viability beyond reach.

“This decision was not made lightly, and we deeply regret the disappointment it will cause to our loyal customers and the impact it may have on our dedicated team.”

Speaking today (Friday) marketing assistant Dylan Britcher said staff were looking forward to welcoming people back to the bar for riverside drinks.

The business, which is based in the dockyard’s restored Pumphouse No. 5, was founded in 2016 with a mission to revive Chatham’s legacy as a centre of craft and innovation.

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