Ian and Elaine have run several businesses together including installing green technologies to complete property renovation and improvement.They have always enjoyed pub life and felt the challenge of the Castle Hotel would give them a chance to utilise their acquired skills.Ian loves his beer and is a certified cellarman whilst Elaine is keen to offer simple but high quality products and service to customers.
Our Journey with Castle Hotel
We took over in August 2019 aware that the building would require a huge amount of cleaning and renovation.At that time the kitchen was in receipt of a 1 star hygiene rating received in May 2018. (https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/popular-pub-saltwood-been-slapped-1530433)
We set about making improvements immediately but mostly we cleaned and cleaned.We completely gutted the kitchen, installing a new floor, gutted the cellar, installing new equipment and beer lines.By January 2020 we had received a 5 star hygiene rating.
The letting rooms were also in need of plenty of TLC. The showers were leaking into the downstairs bar area and were operating on individual motors which tripped on a daily basis.We installed a huge hot water tank and replaced all the showers with pressure units run directly from the boiler.
Then, in March 2020, we were in lockdown.
This brought mixed fortunes as we were able to clean the beautiful York Stone floor in the bar, revealing colour that was previously obscured by years of dirt.We also painted throughout and upgraded the back bar bringing light and colour into the premises.
The next two years were a challenge as we tried to continue with much needed improvements whilst receiving little in the way of income due to further lockdowns and tier restrictions.
We have now removed the heavy furniture in the letting rooms, so a good standard of cleanliness can be achieved daily, and replaced the tiling in the showers with hygienic cladding. Most of the beds, bedding and all of the pillows have been replaced and we will continue to make improvements as long as the business allows.
Article updated April 2023
