Kent pub granted licence to operate a zoo

The Fenn Bell Inn in Rochester, Kent is believed to be the first pub in the UK granted a licence to operate a zoo.

The pub, owned by Andrew and Kelly Cowell since 2014, is also home to the family's collection of exotic animals including meerkats, parrots and monkeys, which can now trade as a zoo.

The couple plans to organise school visits and work with other zoos on existing conservation projects, and are extending the pub to create a larger dining area, disabled toilets and baby changing rooms to provide for the growing number of visitors.

Andrew Cowell posted on the pub's Facebook page: "It's very difficult to put into words what this means to us. I have pushed and pushed to achieve this and driven my family and best friends to the boundaries of insanity, the love and support they have shown me has been amazing and I will never be able to repay them. For me it's a dream come true to finally get the big rubber stamp."

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