Pictures reveal the rapid transformation of a village pub taken on by new Michelin-starred owners hoping to reverse the tarnished reputation left by the previous boss.

Now named the Bridge Arms, the former White Horse in Bridge, outside Canterbury, is in the hands of award-winning couple Dan and Tasha Smith, who are prepped for opening on April 12.

The pair - who also run the critically-acclaimed Fordwich Arms - were only given the keys in November, a month after disgraced former boss Christian Diamant was convicted of hoarding child sex abuse images on his phone.

But they've worked at full speed to transform the pub, and hope a fresh start under new owners will help quickly repair its image.

They have fully refurbished the high street inn and crafted a new menu inspired by the Basque cuisine of the Spanish city of San Sebastián.

The couple, who live just 10 doors down from their new business, are confident they can bring about quick success.

Rather than opt to follow in the footsteps of their operation at Fordwich and also strive for a Michelin star, they going down a different route.

"It will be much more family orientated," Dan said.

"It'll be very accessible. We're not trying to replicate what we have at Fordwich as there's no point in doing that.

"One of the main things is that it is still a pub where you can just come in and have a drink. I've seen people questioning if that will be the case - and yes, it will remain a drinking pub where you can come and socialise.

"We'll be selling soft ice cream in the garden and potentially having live music on Sunday afternoons.

"The menu is charcoal focused as we've got a charcoal grill oven. That's how all the meat will be cooked so it'll have more smoky barbecue flavour."

A number of staff who worked at the pub under its previous ownership have been retained, but a new team has mostly been formed.

A few chef and front-of-house positions are still up for grabs, but much of the refurbishment has already been completed and the venue is ready to launch next month.

"We can't wait to open as the interest has been really good and we've got a lot of reservations already," Dan added.

"There's never a perfect time to open for the first time, but people will want to go out and see what's on offer after being stuck at home for months.

"We were interested in the pub even before it was available as we know it's got such great potential. It's got one of the biggest outside spaces around and is in a great location.

"It's had a bad history recently so people are excited for a new chapter. We can put what happened behind us and start afresh - the name change was controversial but it felt like it was necessary.

"This pub has changed a few times in recent years but we will be staying.

"The project has cost us a lot but that proves we're here for the long run. We're not going to just be here for a few years and then move."

Dan and Tasha hope to further expand their presence in Canterbury by taking on more venues in the future.

"The food scene around here, and in Kent in general, is one the most exciting in the country," Dan added.

"There are a few other things in the pipeline but the focus at the moment is getting Bridge started."

Click here to view the pub's Instagram page

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