A popular pub has been given a £100,000 makeover after new owners took over.

The William Harvey pub in Willesborough, Ashford, is now run by 37-year-old Jay Sheard after the previous landlady sold up amid the cost-of-living-crisis.

Mr Sheard runs 16 other pubs across Kent and Essex through his business Alexis Pubs and Bars, but says the renovations at the William Harvey in Church Road make it the best one yet.

“This has been the best uplift in terms of the community and aesthetics we have ever had,” he explained.

“Everyone is happy they have a nice pub back in the community for them to come and use.

“It wasn't in a good state, we had to rip up floors and damp proof everything.

“Now the fireplace is a focal point again, the canopy above the bar has been taken out, we have brand new furniture, and flooring.

“The only thing the same is the bar.”

The pub stayed open throughout the renovations but more work is yet to take place in the garden.

This is the second time in less than a year the pub has been renovated as previous landlady Colleen Chapmanand her grandson Charlie Smith gave the place a facelift in September.

The pair took over the pub in 2018 and worked hard to restore it’s reputation but rising costs made it "harder than ever to stay afloat" leading to them selling up.

While other pubs are closing, Mr Sheard is confident he has what it takes for the site to be a success.

“This pub ticks all the boxes, it's in a good area, has a beautiful garden, a good layout, it’s a beautiful building, it will always be a pub,” he said.

“A lot of pubs are closing but not as many as you think and they close because of poor operators, not poor pubs.

“Some can be, and are still successful.”