A new 24-hour Costa will open on the A2 next year - taking up residence in an 18th century former coaching inn.

The drive-thru cafe, which will also have seating available inside, is poised to become a spot for motorists to get their caffeine fix on the London-bound carriageway between Canterbury and Faversham.

The Grade II-listed building at Gate Services was previously a Little Chef - between 1986 and 2005 - before becoming the roadside greasy spoon Sheila’s Kitchen.

It had a big reputation for its hearty breakfasts, but closed down some years ago and has stood derelict ever since.

Now, work to convert the site into a Costa coffee shop is due to begin following the go-ahead from Swale Borough Council.

The site's owner, Motor Fuel Ltd, which runs the adjacent Esso garage, had previously applied for permission to launch a new coffee shop at the rear of the filling station, which was approved.

But the vision was shelved as bosses instead opted to sympathetically convert the old coaching house, adding a small extension for the drive-thru.

The roadside Gate Inn is said to have housed the arrested followers of Sir William Courtenay after the Courtenay Riots and Battle of Bossenden Wood in 1838.

The Battle of Bossenden Wood is known for being the last battle to have taken place on English soil.

A new chapter in the old inn's history is now set to begin, with Costa employing nine full-time workers.

The development - which backs onto a Travelodge hotel - will also include a 32-space car park, an eight-bay EV car charging hub and stands for 10 bicycles.

In granting permission for the 24-hour Costa, a Swale planning officer wrote: "I note the Travelodge building is closest to the site but given the predicted low levels of noise from the site I do not consider any visitors there would suffer any loss of amenity."

An opening date for the Costa is not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be next year.