A micropub that struggled in the wake of the pandemic could be converted into a home as bosses say the business is “no longer viable”.

Landlady Ginny Timm opened The Wrong Turn in an outbuilding in her garden in Barfrestone, between Dover and Sandwich, in 2014.

But Covid, rising costs and falling visitor numbers mean the business was not able to carry on and last year the site closed its doors after eight years of welcoming punters.

The land for the house, which is known as Birchfield Cottage, and the pub have since been split and the home sold.

But Miss Timm has struggled to attract a buyer for the pub in Pie Factory Road and feels a residential property would be a much better use - an idea supported by neighbours.

The 65-year-old said: “When the pub opened in 2014 it appeared to be a valued meeting place for the local community.

“Unfortunately over time it was proven not to be such an important asset.

“Another micropub opened in Shepherdswell, the adjoining village, which significantly reduced footfall for the Wrong Turn.

“Covid contributed to the increased decline in custom, even after restrictions were lifted.

“I made every reasonable effort to keep the pub open, although it soon became clear, having consulted with my accountant, that the business was no longer viable and, in turn, not sustainable.”

The micropub was given its name because people making their way to what was previously the old wooden art studio would often get lost.

It served beers brewed locally as well as those from across the country and became popular with locals.

When the house was sold and the land was split, the micropub’s parking was significantly reduced from 10 spaces to five - another reason why it “isn't viable as a public house” said Miss Timm.

She added: “Due to the sale of Birchfield cottage, I have since moved away. Due to myself being the only person who would continue to run the pub, there would be no loss of employment.

“I currently am unable to work and am nine months away from retirement. With this in mind it is unreasonable that I would be able to maintain the upkeep of the building.”

Residents have written letters to support the change of use saying they would prefer the building to be a home over a pub.

“We do not have any objections to this change of use,” one said.

“Having lived here for over a year, we feel that we would not be comfortable now with people walking up and down the driveway at all times of the day and night.

“We have also previously had patrons of the pub parking on our driveway and people knocking on our door to use the facilities as they thought we were part of the pub.

Another neighbour said: “I personally have no objection to the said pub being converted into a residential property.

“I would like to stress however if it were to reopen as a public house I would most certainly raise an objection.

“The property has very limited car parking as the boundaries have changed.”

The Wrong Turn is not the only pub to close despite past successes.

High rents, rising energy prices and customers hit by the cost-of-living crisis have all been blamed for the industry’s struggles.

In Dymchurch, three traditional pubs were all put up for sale this year.

Some landlords attached to breweries have blamed high rent prices and limitations set by breweries for their downfall, while others say there is a lack of community support.