Three of Kent's top pubs have swapped hands, transferring from one group to another.

Ramblinns previously ran four inns - The Globe Inn Marsh in Rye, The Five Bells Inn at Brabourne, The Radnor Arms in Folkestone and The Woolpack Inn at Warehorne.

The latter three will now be taken over by The Pickled Egg Pub Company, which currently runs a mix of restaurants and bars.

Owned by Mark Sargeant and Josh De Haan, the group currently has a portfolio consisting of The Duke William at Ickham, The Wife of Bath in Wye, along with Rocksalt and The Smokehouse in Folkestone.

Mr Sargeant, a Michelin-starred chef, said: "Josh and I have been massive fans of John and Alison’s Ramblinns and when the opportunity arose to buy three of the four we jumped at the chance.

"We can’t wait to continue their great work at these fantastic pubs and we aim to only enhance their excellent reputations.

"All three pubs will continue to trade as normal and we are excited by the opportunity to serve their communities.

"We intend to make some small changes in the new year, particularly to the menus, but for now it’s business as usual.”

Under Ramblinns, The Five Bells Inn near Ashford was named as the best pub in Kent by the National Pub & Bar Awards in April.

Ramblinns will continue to operate the Globe Inn Marsh, with founder John Rogers saying: "I think that now, for many reasons, is the right time to pass on the baton to a new and proven operator and 'free thinker' who has a vision for the future and to continue to grow all that we have achieved.

"This is wonderful news for the Five Bells, the Woolpack and Radnor Arms as they are embraced into a highly successful local portfolio of independent pubs and restaurants that operate to the highest standards.”

It was announced in June that Folkestone's popular Rocksalt restaurant is seeking an expansion.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

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