Kent’s cheapest pub on the market can be snapped up for just £250,000 as its long-serving landlady calls time after almost 20 years behind the bar.

Admiral Taverns is selling The Eight Bells in Canterbury after popular host Kim Truelove decided to retire from the trade instead of renewing her lease.

According to Rightmove and other business property websites, it is currently the lowest-priced freehold pub among the dozens up for sale across the county.

The traditional boozer in London Road, St Dunstan’s, is being marketed through agents Everard Cole.

Kim was given a fond farewell on her last night in charge on Sunday when the pub was packed with customers, friends and family.

They have also showered her with praise and wished her well for the future on her Facebook page.

Tracey Jenkins wrote: “Sad day and a big loss for us locals. We've had some fantastic times in The Bells over the years and met some wonderful people. Thanks for all the good times, Kim.”

Another punter added: “Thank you for all the lovely memories you've given our family over the years.

“The pub will be truly missed by so many people, but we hold you and your family close to our hearts.

“You had the best send off anyone could have asked for and the turnout shows how much you're loved.”

Kim says The Eight Bells has been her life she will miss her loyal customers, many of whom have become friends.

This week, Admiral boarded up the terraced building.

The property dates back to 1898 and was rebuilt on the site of a previous inn, which was demolished.

Although not listed, it retains some of its original architectural features, including handsome timber frames and embossed windows.

In March, Kim and locals had a run-in with the pub owners when bosses decided to replace the inn’s old hanging sign with a new design, which conservationists pointed out was “historically incorrect”.

Everard Cole says the pub is well-placed, close to Canterbury West Station and other local facilities and attractions.

The entrance from London Road provides access into the main bar area, where there is a horseshoe-shaped counter and seating for about 30 customers.

I think it’s a great opportunity for someone to create a very viable business…

The property also includes a trade kitchen and a basement cellar.

A spokesman for Admiral Taverns said: “We are strong believers in the importance of community pubs and our focus is always on helping our licensees run sustainable pub businesses.

“After careful consideration, however, we felt in this instance that The Eight Bells did not have a long-term sustainable future within our estate and therefore we have taken the decision to put the pub up for sale."

East Kent pubs historian Rory Kehoe hopes the inn will be snapped up and reopened.

“It is often said that ‘the pub's the hub’ and never was that more true than at The Eight Bells,” he said.

“Kim and her family have done a great job for the St Dunstan's community.

“Pubs like The Eight Bells do far more than serve drinks. They help form the centre of local social life, where people can meet up, have a natter and generally unwind.

“Studies have conclusively shown that traditional pubs are good for our mental health.”

Mr Kehoe thinks it’s a great opportunity for someone to create a very viable business.

“Yes, it needs a fair bit of money spent on a refurbishment, but the owners will likely take a reduced offer,” he said.