Pub firm Shepherd Neame has further expanded its portfolio after acquiring three new outlets.

The Faversham-based firm's move brings the total number of pubs and hotels it now operates to 303 across the South East.

The latest additions are three venues in Essex.

They are The Bellhouse in Leigh-on-Sea, The Exchange in Southend and The Hamlet Court in Westcliff-on-Sea.

It comes hot on the heels of its acquisition of the Urban Reef bar in Bournemouth earlier this month.

Company chiefs had previously said its coastal pubs had performed particularly well since restrictions introduced by the pandemic were lifted.

All three Essex properties are freehold and were part of the East Anglia Pub Company portfolio.

Jonathon Swaine, Shepherd Neame’s managing director, pubs, said: “Following the strong company performance revealed in our latest trading update at the end of June, we have been actively looking for opportunities to grow and develop our high quality estate and are delighted to expand our presence in Essex with these unique properties.

“We are incredibly excited about the purchase of these unique, characterful venues. We look forward to working with the teams at each of the sites to build on their successful reputation and ensure that they continue to go from strength to strength.”