A historic pub boarded up when the toilet floor collapsed remains an eyesore more than four years on.

But the owners of the Cross Keys in Canterbury are continuing to pledge a full refurbishment, if bosses can only find a new operator to take on the lease.

The pub, in Oaten Hill, was forced to close in December 2019 when a huge hole and 20ft deep shaft opened up in the toilet floor, leading to ‘danger keep out’ signs being posted on the Grade II-listed, 17th-century building.

There were hopes it would re-open in 2021 when owners Star Pubs and Bars revealed plans and secured permission for its makeover.

Star said it was working on “transforming and repositioning the Cross Keys from a tired drinker’s local into a modern and quirky space”.

Bosses said it would boast premium features, including a brand new bar servery, flatscreen TVs, and a private rear bar area.

Eye-catching CGIs were even posted on the company’s website but the work was stalled by the pandemic.

As part of the project, the pub could offer several “boutique letting rooms” if the new leaseholder wished to pursue the opportunity.

In 2022, Star Pubs and Bars said it was in talks with a potential tenant but a deal never materialised and the building remains derelict.

The company insists the pub has “fantastic potential” and says it will undergo a full refurbishment if a new leaseholder is found.

“All we’re missing is the right person to drive it forward,” it says on its website.

But any new incoming operator will be expected to have “significant experience in the hospitality industry” and to fork out a minimum of £72,505 upfront and pay an annual rent of £44,500 a year in rent.

A spokesman for Star Pubs and Bars said: “We remain keen to undertake a major refurbishment of The Cross Keys in Oaten Hill, which is a beautiful old pub, subject to recruiting an operator.

“The project would completely revamp The Cross Keys, transforming it into a top quality venue with a smart new décor and a lovely garden.”

Anyone interested can visit www.starpubs.co.uk/pubs/cross-keys-canterbury