A long-standing town centre pub has sold at auction for nearly £200,000.

The Golden Lion has been situated on the corner of Priory Street in Dover since the 1800s.

Although currently open, it was put up for sale with auctioneers Clive Emson at a guide price of £180,000.

The public house has now sold for the recommended amount.

Auctionneer Jon Rimmer said: “The Golden Lion is a well-known and popular corner pub.

“On the first floor is manager’s accommodation consisting of three bedrooms, which do need improvement."

According to the auctioneers, it is understood the pub is under new management, who “might be willing to remain, subject to negotiation with the new owner”.

KentOnline approached the pub for comment.

Forming part of a string of businesses on the A256, The Golden Lion benefits from a kitchen alongside an L-shaped bar.

It also has a loyal base of customers and has gathered a reputation for showing live sports.

While the first record of The Golden Lion comes from 1841, it is considered likely a similarly-named tavern – The Golden Lyon – was the same establishment.

It could mean the spot dates back to at least 1713, when it featured on a list of inns and innkeepers in the seafront town.