A Faversham family with generations of experience working in local pubs have joined forces to take on a historic Shepherd Neame pub following a £320,000 refurbishment.
Husband and wife Vicky and Dave Springett have teamed up with Vicky’s brother George Layzell to run The Bull Inn in Tanners Street, supported by their children and Vicky and George’s mum, making it a true family venture.
The pub reopened on Friday, November 13, following a six-week transformation by independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame.
For Vicky and George, who grew up in Painters Forstal and have always lived in and around Faversham, the venture brings them back to their roots.
Both previously worked at Shepherd Neame pubs in the area, while their mum Maureen spent many years working in pubs across Kent.
Vicky said:
“We had been talking for a long time about finding something we could do together as a family, and when George saw The Bull advertised, it seemed like the perfect opportunity."
“It is a beautiful, historic pub right in the heart of Faversham, with so much potential, and we just decided to go for it. We all live locally and know the area really well, so it feels particularly special to be taking on a pub in our home town.”
Built in 1409, The Bull Inn has been serving Faversham for more than 600 years and can even count Henry VIII and Elizabeth I among its former customers. The traditional pub has three cosy bar areas with log fires, along with a spacious garden.
The £320,000 project has seen the pub completely transformed, with a full refurbishment of its internal areas, including new furniture and décor. The entrance lobby has been removed to create a more open and welcoming space, while the kitchen has also been upgraded.
The transformation has created a fresh new look while retaining the historic character and traditional charm which have made the pub part of the Faversham community for centuries.
Vicky, 45, is a primary school teacher, while Dave mostly works from home, and George works in social care.
The family already has strong connections with Shepherd Neame. Vicky’s first job after leaving school was at The Chimney Boy in Faversham, now known as The Limes, where George also worked. Vicky later helped out at Shepherd Neame pubs The Alma in Painters Forstal and the Duke of Cumberland in Whitstable.
Their mum Maureen also worked in Shepherd Neame pubs across Kent, including The George in Newnham, The Alma and The Chimney Boy. She now lives in Spain, but will be returning to Faversham to help the family with the reopening.
And the family connection does not stop there, as the next generation will also be getting involved. Vicky and Dave’s daughters Holly, 24, and George’s daughter Niamh, 21, will work in the business. Other members of the family will also be lending a hand, including Vicky and Dave’s daughter Liv, and George’s daughter Phoebe and son Beau,
Vicky said:
“Pubs have always been a big part of our family life. Mum worked in them for years, and George and I both have lots of experience behind the bar. We have always really loved the social side of pub life and getting to know customers."
“That sense of community is really important to us. We love the idea of the family working together and want The Bull to be somewhere people can come together, relax and enjoy themselves. We want to create lots of fun, happy times for our customers and our team.”
Food will be an important part of the new-look pub’s offer, with a range of pub classics served throughout the day, alongside sharing boards and sharing roasts. Sharing charcuterie boards will also be available during the festive period.
The family is determined that The Bull Inn should continue to be known for great cask ale, sourced from the Faversham Brewery just a stone’s throw from the pub, complemented by premium wines and spirits and a new range of cocktails.
Vicky said:
“Our aim is really simple: to do the simple things well. Great food and drink, a warm welcome and a pub where people genuinely enjoy spending time. We are really excited and can’t wait to get going.”
The reopening will be celebrated with a packed weekend of live music from local bands.
House Moves DJs will play from 8pm on Friday, November 13, while Paragraph One will play from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, November 14, followed by Creek from 8.30pm. The weekend celebrations will continue on Sunday, with Louie and the Lizards performing from 5pm.
Live entertainment will remain a key part of the pub’s offer, with live music every Saturday night, along with further events to be announced in the coming months.
The family also hopes to make the most of the pub’s large garden by hosting live music outside during the summer.
Sport will continue to feature prominently, with Sky Sports and TNT Sports shown in the pub, which will also continue to host local sports teams and groups including Faversham Strikeforce and local darts groups.
Above all, the family wants The Bull Inn to be a welcoming community pub for everyone.
Vicky said:
“We want it to be family-friendly and somewhere everyone feels comfortable and relaxed, whether they are popping in for a pint, coming for something to eat or joining us for live music."
“And that includes dogs! Our Cavapoo Herbie will definitely be there. We love the new look of the pub and we’re incredibly excited to welcome everyone in and start this next chapter for The Bull.”
The Bull Inn will be open from 11am to 11pm, Monday to Thursday; 11am to midnight on Friday; 10am to midnight on Saturday, and 10am to 11pm on Sunday, following its reopening.
