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Family-run pub The Fat Ox in St Michael’s, Tenterden, has undergone a major makeover

It truly is a family affair at one Shepherd Neame pub - after a third generation joined the team at the newly-refurbished 18th century inn.

Carole Lofthouse, who has been licensee at the Fat Ox in Tenterden for almost nine years, has been joined by her son Shane Owens, who works as a chef at the pub.

Shane Owens, Carole Lofthouse, Dylan Owens, three generations working at The Fat Ox pub in Tenterden. Picture: Shepherd Neame
Shane Owens, Carole Lofthouse, Dylan Owens, three generations working at The Fat Ox pub in Tenterden. Picture: Shepherd Neame

Now Carole's grandson Dylan Owens has has also joined the team as a kitchen porter - just in time for the Ashford Road venue to unveil a major renovation to its customers.

"We are starting afresh," Carole said. "We have reopened with a completely different business - we are heading in a new direction.

"We did not provide any food before, so it quite a change for us to have an extensive menu.

"Once Shane joined us in the summer, the feedback was very good, so we decided to launch a bigger menu and offer food more of the time. We also have other plans in the pipeline."

The homemade menu, which uses locally sourced ingredients where possible, includes traditional favourites such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and burgers.

The Fat Ox in Tenterden, has just undergone a major makeover. Picture: Shepherd Neame
The Fat Ox in Tenterden, has just undergone a major makeover. Picture: Shepherd Neame
Carole Lofthouse is the landlady at The Fat Ox in St Michael’s, Tenterden. Picture: Shepherd Neame
Carole Lofthouse is the landlady at The Fat Ox in St Michael’s, Tenterden. Picture: Shepherd Neame

There are also plans to make the pub more of a community hub, with events like a coffee club on Thursday mornings and a knit 'n' natter group.

A series of craft fairs are also planned for October, November and December.

Carole said: "We hope that our new menu and our new range of events will help ensure our pub’s place at the heart of its community."

To find out more about the Fat Ox, click here

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