The Walmer Castle in Westgate has been presented with a certificate marking its status as an Asset of Community Value.
The presentation was made by members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) during the opening of a new Greek restaurant at the site.
The restaurant is being run by owner John Kaites and manager Sarah Bath, who previously ran the Greek Taverna in Broadstairs. The restaurant is open from 6pm- 11pm. A New Year’s Eve special will be held with live Greek music and belly dancing, Mega Greek Meze plus a glass of bubbly at midnight for £39.95 per person.
The ground floor of the property has been a community centre since 2016, It is run by the Greek community thanks to a legacy from Jason and Daphne Mermikides.
The ‘Mermikides Community Centre’ is open to all in the Greek and wider community.
The presentation marked the ACV status which was approved in 2015 and the completion of the final phase of works with the opening of the restaurant..
A CAMRA spokesman said: “CAMRA is a voluntary organisation that campaigns for, and actively promotes real ale and pubs. Part of that campaigning involves keeping pubs at the heart of every community. It is an initiative that CAMRA is launching nationally to reduce the continuing large number of pubs that are being lost forever.
“The local branch along guide lines from CAMRA sought to hang onto pubs that were closing, the Walmer was the first ACV awarded and was prioritised because of its sad closure at the time. The new owners have taken the ACV to their hearts and seen it for what it is, a badge of honour. The ACV certificate will hang proudly in the Walmer Castle Greek Taverna. Thanet CAMRA is proud to present this to the new owners as they have certainly kept this as a valued asset for the local community and beyond, although not necessarily a pub but a community hub.”