A waterside pub has reopened with a host of new features after it underwent a £1.5 million makeover.

The Wharf in Dartford ’s Crossways Boulevard business park welcomed back customers on Saturday following the refurbishment.

A new wrap around terrace and outside bar has been added to take advantage of the pub's scenic location overlooking Cotton Lake.

Inside, the Shepherd Neame-owned pub has undergone a £1.5m makeover to create more dining spaces, a function room and reconfigure the bar area.

Work to transform the boozer started in January but was shelved in March due to the onset of the pandemic.

Builders moved back in to finish the job in July when the pub reopened and designs were tweaked to ensure the pub was compliant with Covid-19 regulations on social distancing requirements.

Protective screens have been put in place along with sanitiser stations and a new one-way system with signage.

To coincide with the pub's new look a new food and drinks menu has also been rolled out which will feature traditional pub classics as well as sharing plates and vegetarian and vegan options.

Manager Marc Watson has been at the pub with wife Tracy for more than 20 years.

He said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by The Wharf’s new look. This investment has completely transformed the site and allowed us to make the most of our unique waterside location.

"We have already received an amazing amount of positive feedback from customers and hope that this refurbishment will encourage more people to visit and discover our fantastic offer.”

Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are incredibly proud of this project, which represents a significant investment not just in The Wharf, but the local area, supporting local suppliers and contractors.

The Wharf is open from 11am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 12 noon to 10.30pm on Sunday.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford