A 15th century Bodsham pub that has stood empty for two years has finally been bought back to life and reopened its doors.

The Timber Batts, formerly Froggies, has been taken over by a family-of-four who say the "special place" now has a lot to offer.

Sarah and Ross Berry, have taken over the Grade II-listed public house with their two children: Katie, 18 and Emily, 20.

Sarah, 51, has a host of hospitality experience while her husband Ross will be taking over and running the Forge – a blacksmith’s workshop – next door.

The 41-year-old is an experienced blacksmith who has previously worked on the Tour of Britain Trophy and was the Duke of Buccleugh’s blacksmith in Drumlanrig Castle, in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

Sarah said: "He’s very talented and we actually found the pub because we were looking for a bigger forge.

"This one just happened to have a pub attached!"

The Timber Batts will be open four days a week – Thursday to Sunday – from noon to 11pm, with a focus on real ales and local ciders.

Katie, who has just finished a two-year catering course at East Kent College, in Broadstairs, will be cooking up pizzas on the outside wood-fired oven, while Ross is in charge of the fire.

Sarah added: "We would really rather have a busy pub four days a week rather than dragging through a Monday or Tuesday and it means Ross can concentrate on the forge.

"We have tried to make it loungey with coffee tables, a big leather sofa, low lighting, taxidermy and it is a little bit different to any other pub around here.

"It’s more like walking into your front room then going to your local pub.

"Outside it absolutely beautiful. There’s about a quarter acre of beautiful garden with an outside eating area that overlooks the Downs.

"It’s a special place. When the sun is shining there’s no one in the pub at all, they’re all outside."

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