An audacious young university decided to call time on academic pursuit and become one of the youngest in Britain. Scarcely old enough to have a pint himself, 18-year-old Hugo Willett abandoned his politics studies at the University of Kent to seize the pumps at The Bowl Inn, an enduring 18th-century watering hole located in Hastingleigh, near Ashford. Undeterred by his limited experience and the significant responsibility of managing the establishment with a centuries-long history dating back to the 1740s, he embraced this venture believing pub management is not just an older person's playfield.
Hailing from the area, Willett benefitted from already knowing all the regulars at the tavern. "Although I have a strong interest in politics - hence doing that at uni - I had to jump at the opportunity to have my dream career running such a beautiful, traditional pub," he said. "Ultimately, it's what I have always wanted to do so it was the right decision to leave uni in favour of running The Bowl.
" He took over from long-time operator, Annie Blown, who had been at the pub's helm for two decades. The free house predates most modern buildings, remaining unchanged for 300 years, drawing praise from devotees like the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) for its quality brew. Willett admits facing initial jitters as he braced himself on navigating the throng of dedicated regular patrons frequenting the pub, but he optimistically views it as part of his daring journey into the world of bartendin.
