Work has started to completely renovate a historic and “neglected” hotel which closed suddenly last year.

New owners Tom and Jen Kenny have taken over The Blue Pigeons in Worth, near Deal, and plan to increase the number of rooms on offer and launch a restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef.

The Grade II-listed building, in The Street, is described as “generally in poor order” and is currently surrounded in scaffolding as the ambitious project gets underway.

The new team are planning to restore both the building and gardens to their former glory and hope to open as early as October.

After the roof is repaired, changes will include adding facilities with disabled access, improving the kitchen, rewiring and replumbing, repainting the front of the property, and debuting new signs.

And speaking to KentOnline, many villagers have expressed their delight over the reopening of the hotel, which is thought to date back as early as 1844.

Lyndon Martinez, 57, who lives near the venue, said: “I used to eat there every Sunday and even had my last Christmas party there.

“It’s a beautiful building; we have missed it since it closed. We are really looking forward to its reopening.

“Our village will have everything once we have a restaurant again.”

Ellie Ryan, who has lived in Worth for under a year, also agreed it would be a good addition.

She said: “We moved here after it had already closed, so we were never able to experience what it was like previously.

“The plans sound really interesting, and it will be great to have something different to enjoy.

“As long as it's well-priced, it’ll be great to have another option within walking distance.”

In a shock move in January 2023 and under previous owners, it was announced that The Blue Pigeons’ bar, restaurant and functions would "cease operation immediately".

It left 15 couples in limbo after their weddings were cancelled at the venue, which then briefly existed as a B&B until the sale was completed earlier this year.

Mr and Mrs Kenny, from Sandwich, have now submitted two planning applications to Dover District Council for the hotel.

One details the renovation works being carried out, such as repairs to walls, doors, ceiling and fireplaces.

The second is a request for a change of use of second floor rooms – previously a manager’s flat – to additional overnight accommodation, increasing the hotel from six to eight bedrooms for guests.

Eight parking spaces are proposed.

Neither application has received public comments, and it is not known when a decision will be made by the council.

Planning documents state: “The applicants purchased The Blue Pigeons in January 2024 with the intention of converting it into a bijou, high-quality hotel, with a Michelin-starred chef and dining facilities.

“This is a Grade II-listed building which has not been maintained properly for many years, and the applicants’ planned investment will provide The Blue Pigeons with a beneficial new use and a sustainable future.”

The documents add that the “existing hotel is generally in poor order” and that: “The roof leaks where the flashings have failed around the chimney stacks and dormer, and there are numerous slipped and missing clay tiles.

“Some pots are missing from the chimney stacks.

“The second floor dormer is dilapidated and needs completely renewing.

“The external render is cracked and ‘blown’ in several areas. The existing boilers needs replacing, and the hotel needs re-wiring throughout.

“The kitchen and existing ground floor toilets are in poor order and need replacing.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Speaking on the latest plans, Valerie Owen from Le Valient Architects, which is behind the designs, said: “It will be a great addition to Worth village and provide a much-needed hospitality and leisure offer to the community.”

Mr and Mrs Kenny added: “At present, we are renovating all areas of the building that has been neglected over recent years.

“The expensive renovations are so necessary to improve all areas of the building and grounds.

“We are very grateful for the support we are receiving from the local residents of Worth and the local planning department, who are aware of the condition the building has sunk to.

“We are very excited to be opening The Blue Pigeons as the pride of Worth, where locals will be proud of this unique venue in their beautiful village.

“We plan to provide a unique garden experience, great food and beverage and superior accommodation, all perfectly attended by our great colleagues who are delighted to be part of what will be a great experience.”