A town’s oldest pub with a vibrant history has gone on the market for more than half a million pounds.

The Castle Inn in Dover, adjoining the St James Retail Park, dates back to 1790 and was most recently used as a youth hostel.

But it has a rich history as a public house.

The building was originally known as the White Hart, but was gutted by a fire in 1891, and was restored and reopened under its current name.

In the 1960s, an eight-ton double-decker bus careered out of control and hit the pub.

The licensee at the time said: "The whole building shuddered, and, for a moment, I thought it was going to collapse like a pack of cards.”

In 2008, it became derelict and was boarded up for two years.

It was then bought by former News of the World journalist Paul McMullan.

In his time as a publican, he put in bids to hold topless dancing and sell cannabis at the tavern.

He was critical of Dover District Council while pulling pints, even threatening to chain himself to the pub’s garage in a dispute over a compulsory purchase order for his land during the creation of St James.

Mr McMullan eventually diversified into accommodation for backpackers, with the pub offering seven bedrooms in total.

Now on the market, it is up for just under £596,000 with the potential for “a perfect boutique hotel or restaurant”.

Estate Agent Thomas and Partners said: “Situated in the centre of Dover, this Grade II-listed building adjoins the new St James retail complex, reported to have cost in the region of £50m to build.

“The retail park is home to Travelodge, which includes 108 bedrooms, Next, Mark & Spencer, Nandos and a six-screen Cineworld cinema to name a few.

“Previously, this property has been run as a traditional public house however more recently as a backpackers' hostel.

“There are many alternative uses which could be considered for this property due to its location subject to any planning consents and building regulations being obtained.”

The boozer still has its bar on the ground floor as well as a breakfast room and one bedroom.

On the first floor and second floors, there are hostel-style rooms with bunk beds.