It will be a family affair when new owners take over a Deal pub this month.

Husband and wife Matthew and Martine Brett got the keys to the Saracens Head, in Alfred Square, on Wednesday last week and will hold the grand opening this coming Friday.

Mr Brett is the third generation in his family to take on a public house, as both his parents and grandparents have run pubs in Deal.

His grandparents, Bill and Iris, ran the Three Compasses for around 30 years, and his mum and dad, Lynda and Trevor, were in charge of Deal Hoy for seven years in the late 80s and early 90s.

Mum Lynda will now help pull pints at the Saracens Head, while Matthew takes charge in the kitchen and Martine in the bar.

Daughters Olivia and Georgia will also help out with waitressing.

Mr Brett said: "We're very excited to open.

"We have been making improvements to the trading area and the toilets, giving it a bit of a makeover.

"And we'll have live entertainment on our opening night."

Mr Brett, who has played in pool leagues for the town, found his love for the sport playing in his parents' and grandparents' pubs.

He said: "I remember my grandad would turn over a plastic beer crate so I could reach the pool table. In my parent's pub I would play every day."

Mr Brett and his brother would also help out, including cleaning pipes and hosting barbecues in the summers.

Matthew and Martine already run cleaning company, Brett Cleaning Services, and employ 21 members of staff and look after 70 holiday lets as well as commercial businesses.

Mr Brett, 45, joked: "As if we're not busy enough. We must be mad."

The couple will initially open with a soft launch, which will include breakfasts on Saturdays and Sundays, and pulled pork roasts for Sunday lunch.

They will then look to serving an evening menu and lunches.

They are aiming to source all their food from within a 20-mile radius.

Mr Brett said: "A lot of consumers are aware of where their food comes from these days for environmental reasons.

"We will be serving premium ingredients, all sourced locally."

Themed food nights are also planned, such as German sausage evenings, as well as music sessions, including jazz on Sundays.

The pub will open on February 25, with singer Abigail Cardwell due to perform.