One of Kent’s oldest pubs has gone up for sale following its shock closure last month.

Dating back to the 15th century, The Abbot’s Fireside in Elham, near Canterbury, suddenly shut in February following “increasing financial challenges”.

It has now been listed on the market for £640,000, with estate agents saying the spot could be transformed into a “destination venue” specialising in food.

A spokesperson for agents Sidney Phillips said: “With the investment made by the property owner during the pandemic, the Abbot’s Fireside has been lovingly preserved.

“It is a great opportunity for an experienced hospitality operator, or first-timer, to create their own destination venue capable of drawing in custom from the surrounding communities.

“Because of the style of the trade areas, it would suit a range of operations including traditional or modern British, classic Italian or pan-European cuisine.

“By targeting the hotel rooms at clientele traveling to and from Le Shuttle and the Port of Dover, a new owner could boost trade significantly in the summer months.”

Originally built as an inn called the Smithie’s Arms in 1451, it boasts several charming features.

It still retains features from the 15th and 16th centuries - including a huge medieval fireplace and carved mantelpiece panel dating back to the Stuart era.

Legend has it that King Charles II hid from the Roundheads in a “priest hole” within the main fireplace.

An underground tunnel is said to run from the pub’s cellar to the village’s church and manor house.

It also includes an original bakers oven in the cellar as well as five letting rooms on the first floor and an owner’s accommodation boasting a further two bedrooms on the second floor.

It benefits from having a restaurant and beer garden, with room for up to 134 patrons across the business.

In a statement announcing the closure last month, the landlords said it was not an easy decision and had been made “with heavy hearts”.

“Like many beloved pubs across the country, we’ve faced increasing financial challenges that have made it difficult to continue operating,” they said.

“While this marks the end of an era for us, we are incredibly grateful for the memories we’ve shared and the wonderful community we’ve been privileged to be a part of.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported The Abbots Fireside during our time here. Your loyalty and friendship has meant the world to us.”

The pub dates back more than 570 years and is one of Kent’s oldest.

The Duke of Wellington is reported to have been based here before the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The Smithie’s Arms was sold in 1671 and some time after was converted into four cottages. This remained the case until the tavern was re-opened in 1939.

A few years later, British and US troops gearing up for D-Day enjoyed refreshments at the pub.

Over the past decade, the pub has changed hands several times and was put on the market in 2019 when its owners announced plans to retire.

Millionaire businessman Peter Malkin, who ran Bridge Country Club, came in and splashed £100,000 on renovations during the pandemic in an effort to welcome back punters.