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Bark & Barrel pre-launch access gate.

B&B

Bark & Barrel

The former Walter du Cantelope Inn, now being reimagined by Ryan & Marc.

We’re keeping the inn’s bones — including the inglenook log-burning fireplace — and bringing the rest into a warm, speakeasy glow. Drop in the password to see what’s brewing behind the hoarding.

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B&B

Bark & Barrel

Speakeasy tap house & coffee bar in the making

A new chapter for an old inn

The Walter du Cantelope Inn is becoming Bark & Barrel.

The former Walter du Cantelope Inn in Kempsey has been sold and is now in the care of Ryan & Marc. The plan is simple: keep the beams, the stories and the inglenook log-burning fireplace, and layer in a modern speakeasy tap house and coffee bar with properly curated drinks.

Transformation in progress

Original beams, inglenook fireplace, new layout, better taps & softer light.

25% complete

What stays & what changes

The plan is to keep the soul of the Walter du Cantelope Inn — the character, the stories, the “we’ve always met here” feeling — while nudging everything else into a more intentional, modern, cosy bar.

  • • Original features, beams and quirks wherever they can be kept.
  • • A Bishop’s Snug tucked by the inglenook log-burning fireplace for slow evenings and small groups.
  • • Softer lighting, better seating, more nooks and corners.
  • • A tap list that actually rotates and a back bar with opinions.
  • • Coffee and cocktails treated as seriously as the beer.

A quick history pour

Before Bark & Barrel, this was the Walter du Cantelope Inn — a long-standing village pub named after a 13th-century Bishop of Worcester.

  • • Cosy drinking areas, an old settle and a generous inglenook log-burning fireplace.
  • • Hand-pulled ales, traditional food and rooms upstairs.
  • • A local favourite for decades, now heading into its next chapter.

Bark & Barrel keeps that “old inn” feel, just with better coffee, better taps, a dedicated Bishop’s Snug and fewer threadbare carpets.

Drinks, vibe & late-night plans

Low lights, good taps and properly made coffee.

Think of Bark & Barrel as the place between “quick pint” and “all-night event” — somewhere you can start with a flat white, ease into Yappy Hour, and end up sharing another round.

Speakeasy taps

Rotating lagers, ales and ciders, poured with intention. Expect a mix of core favourites and guest lines that actually change.

Coffee with standards

Espresso, filter and seasonal specials you’d happily drink without syrup. Coffee that can stand on its own and support the cocktails.

Cocktails & Yappy Hour

A short, serious cocktail list plus a dedicated Yappy Hour where well-behaved dogs and their people get spoiled in equal measure.

Stay in the loop

Launch updates & soft-launch circle.

If you want to know when the scaffolding comes down, the inglenook is lit, the Bishop’s Snug opens and the first Yappy Hour is announced, this is the place to add your details. We keep things low-volume and useful.

  • • Build and renovation milestones.
  • • Opening date announcements.
  • • Invitations to early test nights, Yappy Hour trials and tastings.

Launch updates

For general renovation progress, opening dates and “we’re finally pouring” news:


Soft-launch & feedback circle

Same list, slightly different angle: tick the box below if you’re up for early test nights, tastings and sharing feedback on everything from the Bishop’s Snug to Yappy Hour treats.


Stories from the Walter du Cantelope days, ideas or collabs? hello@barkandbarrel.co.uk (placeholder).

Socials to follow once there’s more to show than dust sheets and paint charts.