Gordon opens Barrow Green pub he helped save

Local Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Gordon Henderson, was guest of honour when the Railway Tavern in Barrow Green, Teynham opened its doors for business on Saturday evening.

Gordon was invited to cut the ribbon at the official opening of the community pub following the help he gave new owners Kathiresu and Katherine Hariharan during their battle to persuade the pub’s previous owners, Enterprise Inns, to remove a covenant that would have effectively prevented them from saving the pub from closure.

Gordon said:

“In politics we rarely achieve tangible results, but on this occasion collectively we achieved a stunning victory that means Barrow Green will be able to keep a local pub that is truly the heart of the community. With so many local pubs closing it is a pleasure to see one that is opening.

“I am delighted that my input helped Hari and Katherine win their battle to save the Railway Tavern, however, this success really was down to the local community, which led by Cllr Trevor Fentiman, came together to lobby Enterprise Inns on behalf of Hari and Katherine.

“And Hari himself was quite magnificent. He showed tremendous persistence and never gave up despite all the odds stacked against him. Since completion of the deal he and Katherine have worked their socks off to clean up the place and ensure they could open on time. I am delighted that all their hard work paid off.

“I wish Hari and Katherine every success in this new venture and I look forward to being one of their first customers when they open up their new restaurant at the back of the pub!”

The photos opposite show:
Top - Gordon cuts the ribbon watched by Hari and his family
Middle - Gordon watches Hari pull a pint
Bottom - Gordon, Hari and Cllr Trevor Fentiman