A village's only pub is to begin a new chapter when it reopens under new management tonight (Friday).

The Kings Head in Shadoxhurst, near Ashford, shut suddenly in the lead-up to Christmas last year.

It left villagers wondering if their only pub would stay dormant or ever reopen.

However, just weeks after Shepherd Neame announced it was recruiting a new licensee to take over the watering hole, The Kings Head is to trade again.

New landlord Tim Gough has taken over the reins and has confirmed it will trade from 6.30pm this evening.

The Maidstone resident's company Thats The Spirit has added the premises to its existing public houses comprising Eccles's The Red Bull and The Fleur De Lis in Leigh, near Tonbridge.

Mr Gough said: "Shepherd Neame were really keen for the pub to reopen and having looked at other sites over the last six months, this stood out as having a lot of potential.

"So it's happened really quickly and it's my third pub now.

"I'm trying to build a small, country pub company where there is good, high quality pub food which is freshly prepared using local produce and butchers.

"So we'll have classics like sausage brands but also fillet steaks and seasonal food so we can get the dishes as good as we can - it will be quality over quantity.

"We're thinking long-term now as we all really love the site and it has a lot of potential so it's been really encouraging so far."

Mr Gough has worked in hospitality for 15 years having been an estate agent prior to his existing venture.

He says his experience has allowed him to see the potential of both The Kings Head and the village as a whole - which has a population of just over 1,000.

"It's the centre and focal point of the village whatever direction you come from," the miniature dachshund owner added.

"Villagers are really embracing this so I think it's got a destination feel.

"The restaurant has 50 covers and the bar side is another 40.

"We've done a mini refurbishment but nothing too drastic, having painted the walls and improved sound systems which will make it a better environment for customers.

"The garden is amazing and can have about 200 people and we're looking at improvements like picket fencing there in the future.

"There's a back room at the pub which can accommodate about 16 diners and maybe be turned into a private space as well."

He continued: "People are coming over this weekend from the other two pubs to help out and assist me.

"And we've interviewed 18 people already and are taking on 12 people, so we're taking it seriously and making sure the service levels are there.

"The Kings Head is a really lovely pub and we strongly believe with the support from Shadoxhurst villagers we can bring it back to its former glory."

Residents appeared equally as excited for the pub's reopening.

One, Wendy Fisher, said: "Hopefully you'll get lots of continuous support. Great to see it reopen."

Meanwhile, others described the announcement as "exciting" and "brilliant news".