The owner of a popular pub has dismissed speculation it is set to close - but says he is walking away after almost 20 years.

Jim Pearson sent the rumour mill into overdrive after putting the Elephant in Faversham on the market, with many fearing the much-loved freehouse will soon shut.

But the 67-year-old says he has merely decided to retire and expects the pub, which is almost 175 years old, to stay the same under its new owners.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said.

“I’m still going to be running the place for the time being, and once I find new owners I will continue to run it for a couple of months - like a handover period.

“I wish to retire while I’m in good health. I plan to purchase a couple of wide-beam barges, one here in the UK and one abroad, and flit between them until the EU sorts itself out and allows you to stay for more than 90 days."

Mr Pearson, originally from Canterbury, moved to Faversham in 1981 after leaving the Royal Navy and bought the Elephant in 2005.

The publican was keen to set the record straight after comments had begun to swirl on social media that the beloved boozer would be shutting down.

“Why would I close it down? It makes me about £1,000 a week,” he continued.

“It’s definitely not closing down, so let’s knock that rumour on the head.”

The Elephant has been serving drinks in Faversham since 1852, and is among the favourite pubs of KentOnline’s Secret Drinker.

After a 2022 visit to the Elephant, the incognito reviewer praised the establishment’s distinctive decor and wide range of beers, which has no offerings from the town’s brewery, Shepherd Neame.

“The second I walked into the Elephant I was transported back to my youth, to a time when you knew what to expect visiting a pub and woe betide anyone who dared rub the landlord up the wrong way,” wrote the undercover critic.

“In a town where Shepherd Neame rules, this is a fairly rare beast – a free house in Faversham.”

When reminded of the review, Mr Pearson said: “I’ll kiss that Secret Drinker on both cheeks when I find out who it is.

“The Elephant is unique to Faversham. There are no other free houses in town - not what I call proper pubs, anyway.”