A historic village pub which fell on hard times has been revived – as a Forties-themed vintage tea room.

Gone are the pumps, bottled beers and glass mugs at the 17th-century Royal Oak at Upstreet near Canterbury.

Instead, there are China tea cups, saucers and cake stands, together with a mix of eclectic period furniture and memorabilia.

Now re-branded the Spitfire Tearoom, it is the brainchild of owner Simon Kidd, who says the pub was no longer viable.

Instead, he is using his knowledge and experience of previously running the wartime-themed Spitfire Cafe in Hythe to good use.

But perhaps the writing was on the wall for the Royal Oak, based on the A28, back in March when Kent Online’s ‘Secret Drinker’ visited and observed its “lack of kerb appeal”.

Inside, it faired a little better with the reviewer likening the spot to “having the feel of an old bordello”.

He added: “It would perhaps be best, and fairest, to describe this place as a work in progress and our host is the first to admit he’s got a fairly lengthy ‘to-do list’.

“This is exactly the sort of place we should all be supporting and encouraging – Simon must be applauded for making every effort to keep the village pub alive, and the fact he’s introducing food and live music just adds to the appeal.”

It was a description which Simon thought was “fair” and gratefully accepted the praise he was given for trying to keep an old village pub alive.

Sadly, just a month later, Simon called time on the pub business, deciding it simply was not viable, like many others throughout the county in recent years.

He had taken on the lease of the pub back in 2019 after the previous hosts closed due to “lack of use”.

“I re-opened it just before the pandemic and lockdown hit – so not a great start,” said the dad-of-five.

“I gave it a good go but, frankly, it just wasn’t viable and I had to shut.”

It was a sad end to the former coaching house’s time as a pub.

But Simon, 50, hopes it has a new lease of life as a vintage tea room, offering a cosy, warm welcome with vintage background music lending to the atmosphere.

Three weeks on from the launch and Simon says the main problem with attracting customers is little passing footfall and traffic which speeds past.

“It’s hard to make the place standout and there are often vehicles parked in front,” he said.

“But the customers I have had have praised the place.”

“I have tried to make it cosy with a vintage feel which I love, “ said Simon.

“It’s just a case of getting people through the door.”

After a recent visit Hazel McNicholas wrote online: “As usual, your food is perfect and always delicious. The best. Well done, Simon.”

Simon is offering traditional breakfasts and pre-booked group afternoon teas with sandwiches, tea cakes, cupcakes and other traditional offerings for £15 per person, but welcomes walk-ins.

“All I can do is give it all I can and hope the village and customers support me,” he said.