Family show off fourth Shepherd Neame project

The Thompson family from Kent have transformed Shepherd Neame’s 600-year-old The Woolpack Inn at Chilham, their fourth venue with the brewer and pub operator.

Gordon and Sharon Thompson have put their four decades of hospitality experience into the project, working alongside their children and their partners.

The two-month renovation has seen the building’s period features enhanced. The Woolpack has 14 hotel rooms, situated throughout the main house, The Old Stables to the rear and Rose Cottages across the road – these have their own private gardens. The rooms will be refurbished in the New Year.

Inside the new-look dining room

"It’s all about the family – we really couldn’t do any of it without them all," says Sharon. "Gordon and I have a wealth of experience, which married with the youth and vigour from our children and their partners is why we are so successful.

"Over the years, the many businesses we have owned and refurbished has brought us to this point, taking on The Woolpack. Our expectations are very high of the finished results, but with our experience coming together, we are confident this is the best that we have done."

The couple's other sites are The Abbey Hotel in Battle, which is run by their son Charles and wife Kate; The Castle Hotel in Eynsford, run by their daughter Elizabeth and fiancé Jacob Harper; and The White Horse Inn, Maldon, which is run by Gordon’s brother Malcom and wife Kristi.

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