A landmark hotel in the middle of town has reopened after refurbishment.

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel, in High Street, Dartford, has had the ground floor, 25 bedrooms, coffee shop and function room given a makeover while keeping intact its original Grade II listed period features.

The hotel has a long history and its new look still captures that.

Queen Victoria stayed at the hotel, which is around 400 years old and displays the Royal Coat of Arms above its entrance, in November 1836 while she was still a princess.

In a joint statement, managers of the hotel, Andrew and Susan Purkis, said: “We are delighted with the redevelopment by South Coast Inns.

“It has given the premises a new lease of life and we expect to be busier than ever.

“We welcome old customers and new to enjoy the refurbished bar designed around the rich history of Dartford.”