The new landlord of a backstreet pub says he wants to make the venue reach its full potential by hosting gigs and making it a “community hub”.

Matthew Brett picked up the keys to The Alma in West Street, Deal, on Wednesday and is keen to welcome customers as soon as possible - with the inn reopening at 4pm today.

His plans for the historic pub, which dates back to the 1850s, include adding a stage to the function room in order to cater for both free and ticketed performances, as well as parties.

The 48-year-old, from Deal, whose grandparents and parents were also landlords, says he wants to offer something different from other seafront bars.

He told KentOnline, “The Alma, I think, is a pub that hasn’t hit its full potential. They’ve got a beautiful function room that hasn’t been fully utilised.

“What I’m trying to deliver is what my family delivered - so when you come into a pub, you’re welcomed. We’ll have a conversation with the customer, bringing pubs back to more of a community hub.

“That's what I’m trying to emulate. I want it to be more than a transaction, and I think backstreet pubs can do that.

“We’ve got loads lined up - magicians, burlesque, great cover bands - the type of thing I call memory makers.”

Mr Brett has also been the landlord of the Deal Hoy on Duke Street in Deal since last year. Here he has refurbished the kitchen and its sun trap beer garden, which has been praised by many patrons on Google reviews.

Mr Brett insists The Alma will offer something different in the coastal town.

After temporarily closing its doors for a couple of days, the pub will open at 4pm today for its first evening under the new ownership.