A popular seaside pub which suddenly closed earlier this year has re-opened following a makeover by its new hosts, who have previously run venues in Ibiza.

The East Kent in Oxford Street, Whitstable, which dates back to 1802, shut in March after the tenants reported “unexpected breakdowns”.

But now Joel Belchem and Lois Breckell have taken on the traditional Shepherd Neame-owned pub and say they are delighted with the support they are already getting from the town.

The former landlords, Natalie and Andrew Hennessy, turned the former ‘wet-only’ boozer into a popular gastro pub with the focus on good food, which won many plaudits.

Now Joel, 41, and Lois, 37, plan to build on that reputation while continuing to welcome those who just want to pop in for a couple of pints.

The pair were once married and remain good friends. As business partners, they have run bars and restaurants in London and Ibiza.

They say they bring considerable experience of the hospitality industry, but Joel promises there will be no Ibizan club scene and the East Kent will stay a traditional British pub.

“We’ve given it a bit of a styling makeover while keeping its character, but the East Kent remains very friendly neighbourhood pub and we’re sure locals will feel very much at home here,” he said.

“We have an exciting new menu, including small plates, but everyone is being made very welcome just to pop in for a drink.

The bar has an enticing cocktail menu and its Sunday roasts have already gone down well.

A new feature of the pub will be live music with a line-up of talented performers, starting on Saturday night with soulful songs and sing-along classics from Bethany Amelia Arnold.