A popular 19th-century pub has reopened as a hotel following a £100,000 transformation.

The Bedford Inn in West Cliff Road, Ramsgate, has undergone a drastic makeover to provide guest rooms on its derelict second floor.

Bar manager Samantha Parker says the completion of the works has been a long time coming.

“Renovating a somewhat derelict Victorian building isn’t easy,” she said.

“Each room is unique and I do think we’ve done a really good job of it.

“It’s so easy to get carried away - especially when you see the bill - but the pub has been quite successful and I hope this next step can be a boost for everyone.

“We’ve already had our first guests in and the feedback was fantastic, which is a huge relief.”

Each of the four new rooms is colour-customised to pay homage to the town’s coastal history.

Mrs Parker says the team chose to convert the pub to retain the Bedford Inn as a community hub.

“It brings people from out of town to the area, it gives people the chance to stay in Ramsgate when they otherwise might not have done,” she said.

“We feel we can appeal to both locals and people who come over from elsewhere

“It’s nice to be able to host a different type of person we might not ordinarily get to see.

“We’re hoping to recreate and reopen the restaurant; it’s an exciting time to be involved at the Inn.”

Since being taken over by owner Grant Rigby in September 2019, the Bedford has gone from strength to strength.

After undergoing a facelift just before the pandemic, the tavern has seen various onlookers taking a liking to it.

It was even listed by The Guardian as having one of Kent’s best beer gardens by the sea.

The pub also hosts various events such as drunk drawing - which sees punters compete for the crown of the best drunk artist.