Paul Hollywood

Paul Hollywood Takes On Pub Villains: The Bake Off Judge Defends His Queen!

Find out how Paul Hollywood is fighting back against vindictive locals in the Smarden pub showdown. Who knew baking could get this heated?

Paul Hollywood, the well-known judge from 'The Great British Bake Off', has recently found himself at the heart of a bitter dispute over a historic pub in Smarden, Kent. Tensions escalated when the planning committee granted permission for the 600-year-old Chequers pub, owned by his wife Melissa Hollywood's family, to be converted into a residential home. Many locals have expressed their outrage, and Hollywood has found himself defending his wife against what he describes as 'unforgivable' and 'vindictive' criticism. To add some sponge to the situation, it seems many Smarden residents were not too happy about the proposed transformation, as they bemoaned the loss of a local watering hole that had been part of the community for six hundred years.

Melissa Hollywood, who has been the landlady of The Chequers, revealed that attacks on her family regarding the pub's future have been relentless. Despite their substantial investment of over £80,000 in attempts to save the establishment, locals have shown strong resistance to the idea of closing the pub for residential purposes. Paul didn’t mince words when talking about the backlash, stating that it was a shame to see such 'vindictiveness' aimed at a family that has made considerable efforts to revitalise the beloved property.

The discussion surrounding The Chequers has ignited a fiery debate on the balance between heritage preservation and the practicalities of privately owned businesses. With a local council permit in hand, the couple is intent on moving forward with the conversion, even as they face accusations of 'destroying community spirit'. Paul’s impassioned defence of his wife and their family legacy adds a layer of drama that seems straight out of a reality show.

In a quirky twist, it’s worth mentioning that not only does Paul Hollywood know his way around a bake, but he also is no stranger to the heat of public opinion! Meanwhile, did you know that 40% of pubs have changed use or closed down permanently in the UK over the past decade? So while the Hollywoods face drama in Smarden, the fate of pubs across the country seems to be teetering on the edge as well. A lot is at stake, and the only thing more intense than an episode of Bake Off may just be this battle over a pint!