The 400 year story of the Farriers Arms in Mersham Forstal could have ended in 2009 when it closed its doors to the public: that is when a determined group of villagers and friends took on the challenge of bringing this beautiful, traditional pub back to life. We reopened our doors on Saturday 28th November 2009 after five months of extensive refurbishment and now provide a full range of real ales, lagers and wines in the exceptionally tasteful bar and excellent food (sourced locally) in the stylishly furnished Anvil Restaurant. Although the basic premises remain largely unchanged (this is a Grade 2 Listed Building dating from 1606), former patrons find it almost un-recognisable because of the range and quality of the new decor and fittings all designed and fitted by volunteers, 121 shareholders and local trades people. The stunning new bar, skilfully built entirely by local craftsman from reclaimed timbers, includes a solid brass foot-rail from former premises of The Mariners' Mission in Hong Kong! The warm welcome of the Farriers' Team is enhanced by the provision of modern central heating throughout and a new double-fronted log burner adding ambience and warmth to both bar and Anvil Restaurant. The toilet facilities have been stylishly upgraded and there is now easy wheelchair access to dedicated facilities all on one level. You may download our Access Statement (pdf format) here. After the pub reopened, the kitchen was rebuilt and modernised and the eating area extended into a sympathetically designed new Anvil Restaurant and the gardens alongside the trout stream were beautifully landscaped . The highly praised function room is housed in converted outbuildings to the front of the pub and provides facilities for courses, private parties, weddings, banquets and many other events. Larger events, including our annual beer festival, are held in the adjacent riverside meadow.