Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after ‘unforgivable’ abuse

Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse

As a long-time resident of a quaint English village much like Smarden, I can certainly empathize with the complex dynamics that arise when newcomers move into our tight-knit communities. From my own experiences, I’ve learned that it takes time for people to adjust and find common ground, especially when there are significant differences in lifestyle or background.


As a devoted connoisseur of lifestyle and all things British, I’ve found myself in an unforeseen predicament – a longstanding disagreement with some local Kent villagers regarding my historic 600-year-old pub. In a bid to resolve this matter amicably, I’ve taken the initiative to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a mutually beneficial resolution for all parties involved.

As a devoted admirer, I must share the heartfelt efforts made by the renowned baker and his wife, Melissa Spalding. They’ve personally invested over £80,000 in an attempt to preserve The Chequers pub, nestled close to Ashford, Kent. Regrettably, their noble endeavor didn’t bear fruit.

Instead of pushing forward with their struggling business, they opted to propose plans for transforming it into a residence – a move that sparked anger among the local community.

Even though Paul and Melissa successfully fought a long, contentious legal battle for approval to change their property, another significant shift could occur if a fresh proposal is accepted as part of an effort to preserve the building’s status as a pub.

Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse

Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse
Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse
Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse

The locals pleaded with the judge from the Great British Bake Off to intervene and aid in negotiating a deal for the property, priced at one million pounds.

Sources say staff have told locals to expect the pub to be kept open, with a new owner.

When asked for their thoughts, the pub responded by proposing that it might continue operating as a licensed establishment.

A woman, who did not give her name. said: ‘If we manage to sell it… hopefully.

‘You will know soon enough.. if we manage.’

She then put the phone down.

According to the source, the staff have shared that an agreement is being finalized. It appears someone will purchase the pub and continue operating it as such, bringing joy to everyone involved.

Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse
Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse
Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse
Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse

A kind gesture from Paul and Melissa towards the locals might help ease tensions, as relations between them have become quite strained. The situation has escalated, with strong emotions on both sides.

It’s hopeful that this agreement can be approved. Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed that this deal goes smoothly.

It seems they might find this proposal quite compelling, given that selling their property would likely yield a significant amount of funds.

‘People have appealed to Paul Hollywood directly. He has not been popular recently.

‘If this goes through, people will begin to like him more.’

This comes just weeks after he made locals angry by flying his new £360,000 helicopter. 

He touches down the plane on a stretch of ground, situated midway between his homestead and the peaceful village pub in picturesque Smarden, Kent.

Instead, it’s reported that he chooses to store his Robinson Raven helicopter at Manston Airport instead of Headcorn Aerodrome, as he persists in his pursuit of a private pilot’s license.

Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse
Is Paul Hollywood close to a peace deal with neighbours? GBBO star said to be making move to end war with furious Kent villagers over 600-year pub after 'unforgivable' abuse

In a recent interview with BBC South East, Hollywood spoke up for Melissa following harsh critiques, labeling the comments as “incapable of forgiveness.

After a challenging discussion regarding plans, during which residents mentioned multiple proposals they had extended but failed to secure their cooperation or full involvement, the host of The Great British Bake Off expressed disapproval towards what he perceived as the uncooperative and spiteful behavior of the villagers.

He said: ‘The vindictiveness from the locals towards the family who have been here 18 years is unforgivable.

If the villagers decide to unite, submit a proposal, and purchase it on their own accord, that’s perfectly acceptable.

Towards the end of this month, they plan to shut down as they can’t maintain the income due to a lack of incoming funds.

While up for sale for four years, the pub has only received one offer, Hollywood said.

It had been listed with four estate agents since 2020.

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2024-09-07 10:05

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