The former home of a once-loved fish and chip shop has gone up for sale months after its owners hung up their aprons for retirement.

Keith and Christine Johnson first opened Eastry Fish Bar, just minutes away from Sandwich, in 1981, becoming a staple of the community in the process.

However, the pair announced in August last year it would be their last month of trading, citing ailing health and a desire for more free time.

Since then, the site in the idyllic village has sat empty – but could soon be taken over if a buyer can be found.

Estate agent eXp UK is inviting offers of more than £400,000 for the shop and the attached three-bedroom cottage.

Described as “an exciting opportunity”, the property has been used as a retail shop and a bookmaker in the past and could be converted into housing or repurposed as a business.

“Due to the current layout, there is significant potential to refurbish and remodel the property, either to create a large family home or multiple dwellings,” said eXp bosses.

“The vendors have advised that turnover was approximately £3,500 per week, generated from very limited trading hours, suggesting great scope for increased trade.”

The fish bar features a traditional shop front, kitchen, food preparation area, storage area, and a large cellar.

Keith and Christine – who only opened three days a week - previously confirmed they would have to sell the building as a freehold since their home directly links to the shop, despite expressions of interest from potential renters.

They had hoped to see a new trader come in and keep the good times as a fish and chip bar going.

“The scope is there for anyone else to take it to do as many days as they want,” Mrs Johnson said at the time.

“We just can't understand why nobody wants to take it on.

“We're on the corner of a beautiful part of Eastry – it's still a busy village.”