Celebrity baker Paul Hollywood and his wife Melissa have poured over £80,000 of their own money into an effort to rescue her family’s historic Kent pub, The Chequers Inn in Smarden, near Ashford.

At an Ashford Borough Council planning committee meeting, Melissa Hollywood, the long-serving landlady of The Chequers Inn, revealed the financial struggles facing the business. Joined by her husband Paul, famous for his role as a judge on “The Great British Bake Off,” Melissa addressed the committee as they considered plans to convert the pub into a house.

The Grade II-listed village pub, which has been in Melissa’s family for generations, is facing closure due to financial challenges. Her father, Glenn Spalding, submitted plans earlier this year to convert the property into a single dwelling, prompting objections from locals.

Despite the proposed conversion, Melissa emphasised that the character of The Chequers would remain unchanged if the plans were approved. She highlighted the significant personal investments made by her family, including herself and her husband, totalling over £80,000, in a bid to keep the business afloat.

However, Councillor Kayleigh Brunger-Randell argued against the closure of the historic pub, citing its longstanding presence in the community and the potential impact on local infrastructure. She proposed further investigation into alternative solutions, including community ownership supported by government grants.

Russ Phipps, a member of the Smarden Community Pub group, expressed the vital role The Chequers plays in the community, urging authorities to consider alternatives to closure.

Despite differing opinions, the planning committee ultimately deferred its decision, acknowledging the need for more information on the economic impact of The Chequers and potential alternatives.

As discussions continue, the fate of The Chequers Inn hangs in the balance, with stakeholders advocating for its preservation as a cherished part of Smarden’s heritage and community life.