The Yard is replacing The Hufflers Arms in Hythe Street next month and new owner Ricky Gottfried told this paper he is “incredibly excited” about the new venture.
Ricky is in the process of carrying out a “full refurbishment” of the pub with the aim of transforming it into a “modern bar” complete with a drinks terrace, DJ booth and space for events.
Ahead of the opening day on July 4, the News Shopper caught up with the new owner on his hopes for The Yard.
Ricky said: “We really want to try and connect with the community because I’m a local boy, so I just want to bring the community back to Dartford.
“I’ve been a promoter for the past 15 years, I’ve done events in Dartford, events in Bexleyheath.
“I just want to bring the connection back to the community and get them all coming for the door.”
Ricky said when he got a call from the current owners saying they were planning to sell up, he took the “amazing” opportunity in a “heartbeat” .
His plan is for the new venue to open six days a week, offering food and drink, with various events already in the diary – such as a Sunday family day every week throughout July and August, featuring bouncy castles and a BBQ.
Everything has “come about very quickly”, Ricky told this paper, but he “can’t wait to become part of Dartford’s local scene”.
“The space has got huge potential,” Ricky said.
“I’m doing a £100,000 refurb on the place so it has all new interiors, [a] brand new bar [and a] brand new garden.
“It’s going to be everything Dartford really needs.”
