A historic village pub has welcomed back punters after a major refurbishment.

The Grade II-listed Kings Arms in Elham, near Folkestone, has reopened as a gastropub and freehouse following a revamp by its award-winning owners.

Having purchased the property from Stonegate Group last October, Contemporary Pubs has taken on the operations of the 15th-century pub with the aim of providing a centrepiece for the community.

Managing director Will Sheldon and his wife Nadine are behind the award-winning success of The Marquis of Granby in Alkham and The Tiger Inn, Stowting.

He said: “We’ve created a successful model to ensure the future of the village pub.

“We take unloved pubs and sensitively refurbish them, hiring a team focused on the customer and providing great service, with a strong connection with the local community.

“I’ve known The Kings Arms all my life, even before Contemporary Pubs existed.

“Nadine and I were once in the pub’s beer garden after a walk with the dogs, and joked to each other, if we could run a pub this would be the one’.

“Today our dream is a reality. We’ve built a great team, with the company growing from within, starting, staying, stretching themselves, each with the drive to be the best and looking for a long-term career in what is still a great industry.”

The internal and external refurbishment included the extension of the pub and a revamped kitchen, as well as back-of-house facilities.

Elham resident and Darling Buds of May star Pam Ferris, who is also a regular at The Tiger Inn, officially reopened the Kings Arms on Friday.

The pub pre-dates the reign of King Charles II by more than two centuries as it has been at the heart of the village since 1450.

Contemporary Pubs opened the Marquis of Granby in 2019 and the Tiger in 2021.

It will serve local wines and spirits, as well as Kent and Sussex real ales, craft and keg beers.

The pub offers indoor dining for 70 and a further 64 places outside on the new terrace and its ‘secret garden’.