A much-anticipated pub has opened its doors for the first time after a £3 million investment from one of the country’s largest pub and restaurant chains.

The Gunpowder Mill, run by Marston’s Brewery, has proved popular following its first week of business after initial plans were hatched in 2014.

The large London Road pub, which was opened by the Mayor of Swale Cllr Colin Prescott at a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Tuesday, sits on the former Macknade Garden Centre site.

With its name paying homage to the town’s history in the explosives industry, the pub development has created 45 jobs.

New manager Charlotte Lamba says everything has gone smoothly so far.

“We are really excited to show our new pub off, the interest has already been overwhelming and it is so great to have that kind of positive response from locals already,” she said.

“We are really thankful to Mayor of Swale and local hop farm owner Tony Redsall for coming to the official opening of the Gunpowder Mill, it really made the day that extra bit special.”

Marston’s, which has nearly 2,000 pubs and restaurants across the country, set its sights on the site beside the A2 back in 2014.

An application was turned down by Swale Borough Council but granted on an appeal in August last year for a “family-focused pub and restaurant”.

At the time, planning inspector Cullum Parker said the development on the overgrown brownfield site would enhance the area.

For information on the new pub visit www.gunpowdermillpubfaversham.co.uk.