One of Medway's best-known pubs is to close.

The North Foreland in Rochester High Street has shut its doors but the reason is not clear.

Meanwhile, Medway pub owner John Brice has spoken out about the continuing trend of pub closures.

Mr Brice, who owns two pubs and runs another, the King George V in Prospect Row, Brompton, said he was disappointed to see the North Foreland close.

Mr Brice, organiser of the Medway Beer Festival, said the North Foreland was once the watering hole for local dignitaries and characters including MPs, police officers and reporters.

Mr Brice said: “I think anyone really realises how significant the rate at which pubs are closing is and they may only notice in a few years.”

He also owns the Frog and Toad in Burnt Oak Terrace, Gillingham, and said pubs were more than places to drink in and provided an important social element.

He added: “There are a huge amount of events going on which mean people come and meet each other.

“The other obvious thing is the amount of money raised for charities. It is a huge amount.”

Mr Brice said the North Foreland, which once belonged to the Dutch East India Company, also contained an old fireplace which represented the four corners of the world.

The pub’s owners were unavailable for comment.