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Shepherd Neame's Rockin Robin on the Green in Barming reopens as The Duke of Edinburgh

A popular pub is set to reopen with new landlords and a new name.

The Rockin Robin on the Green in Heath Road, Barming, will welcome punters back tonight with a launch party to celebrate the changing of hands.

The Rockin Robin on the Green is reopening tonight. Picture: Martin Goodman
The Rockin Robin on the Green is reopening tonight. Picture: Martin Goodman
The pub will be going back to its original name, The Duke of Edinburgh. Picture: Martin Goodman
The pub will be going back to its original name, The Duke of Edinburgh. Picture: Martin Goodman

Since 2018, it was run by Robin and Michelle Gordon, who make and sell their own beer made in their Rockin Robin Brewery.

In February, Shepherd Neame said it was looking for new tenants to take over after the couple decided to step down.

Michelle previously told KentOnline: "It has been really good, we have had a good time running it and met some fantastic people.

"Sometimes you have to have a change, we've had a challenge and now want a bit of a normality.”

Since then the building – which dates back to the 1800s – has been closed to the public.

What the inside of the pub used to look like. Picture: Steve Crispe
What the inside of the pub used to look like. Picture: Steve Crispe
It has now been redecorated. Picture: Martin Goodman
It has now been redecorated. Picture: Martin Goodman

The Faversham company decided it wanted the pub to revert back to its original name, The Duke of Edinburgh, when it reopened.

Nikki Podac and her partner Gigi Bucur secured the lease for the watering hole and are making sure their business continues to run in the family.

Their sons Rick Bucur, 37, and Carlo Podac, 23, will become the official landlords.

“It is with great joy and excitement we announce that our sons have decided to extend the family business,” 42-year-old Nikki said.

“After amazing contributions at many places, including most recently at our lovely unicorn, they will be putting their own stamp on a beautiful venue.”

Nikki Podac and her partner Gigi Bucur. Picture: Martin Goodman
Nikki Podac and her partner Gigi Bucur. Picture: Martin Goodman
Nikki pictured with Rick (left) and Carlo (right). Picture: Martin Goodman
Nikki pictured with Rick (left) and Carlo (right). Picture: Martin Goodman

The family own another successful establishment in Kent, called The Unicorn Pub and Restaurant in Marden High Street.

They also used to run The Bull in Tonbridge Road and say after 15 years are excited to return to Barming.

Nikki added: “I would like to give my special thanks to the unicorn family and our friends from Barming who have been so patient with us during this transition, as well as the love and support to help make this happen.

“It’s been absolutely amazing, we are very confident on the opening – lots of family and friends are coming tonight.

“We have re-decorated the pub completely and will be changing the name officially in the next few weeks, once paperwork is processed.”

The pub is open from 6pm tonight (April 28).

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