Landlords of the Racing Greyhound, Debbie and Keith Barnett, will add a fourth venue to their fold when they take over The Jolly Farmer in Manston from September.
The parents-of-two have been at the Greyhound for almost 16 years and transformed custom at the Hereson Road pub with a loyal following of regulars, families, diners and community support, including providing a meeting room for many local groups and charities.
In 2019 they took on The Bell Inn at Minster after discovering the lease was available and in January this year the duo took over Lesters -a pub they ran for some 12 years until 2005.Now the unstoppable duo is adding The Jolly Farmer to the portfolio.
A social media post announcing the news says: “As of September, Keith and Debbie will be taking over The Jolly Farmer, Manston!
“It’s another exciting venture, which will see them bringing their brilliant experience of hospitality to this beautiful village pub. They can’t wait to meet the community in Manston.
“Keith and Debbie will continue to run The Racing Greyhound whilst Clare and Lee Milsom will be managing The Jolly Farmer
“It’s been a busy year for them already, but if there’s anyone who loves a challenge, it’s these two.”
The Jolly Farmer was last taken over by old school friends Danny Wisker and Bobby Brown in September last year.
Danny, who is also manager of a demolition firm, was front of house lead while chef Bobby, who has worked with Gordon Ramsay and headed up venues in towns including Chislehurst and Tunbridge Wells, took charge of the food.
But in a shock announcement this month it was revealed brewery Stonegate had re-advertised the tenancy.
Danny, alongside Aimee Sanham, will continue to manage the pub until the end of August.
i wish them luck , i think they will need it looking at the pubs with no customers localy
Fantastic news. Possibly the experience from running a Throley pub is and has been of benefit. Too many people take over an existing business thinking they will earn a fortune immediately. This couple appear to have gained the right experience. The customer is important a smile even through a boring conversation or off day is important. You leave your personal problems/issues at home but retain a sense of humour and fantastic memory concerning your customers.:-)
Pubs are a dying trade and tdc love giving permission to knock down and re build… Like The Orb and many others.
We need to keep our social lives not destroy them tdc so thank you both. Wish you all the best. Might take a trip over some time.
Good for them, it will be well managed now and have good food on offer.
#buildonbrownfieldbuildonmanston
That’s Good news for Manston 👍
Hopefully 🍀🪄 the locals will support them 😊
Well done you two! Wishing you and all your team the very best 😎