Pub giant Shepherd Neame has added another seaside property to its portfolio.

The Faversham-based brewer has confirmed it has acquired The Ship Inn on Central Parade in Herne Bay – believed to be the town’s oldest building with parts dating back to 1385.

It comes less than a year after new landlords were drafted in to try and revive the pub after the previous incumbents left, leaving many locals to fear for its future.

Now Shepherd Neame has taken over after striking a deal with former owners the Stonegate Group.

The pub will continue to be run by licensees Alan and Michele Clarke. The couple already run the Chestfield Barn near Whitstable.

It brings to 296 the total number of pubs and hotels sat within the Faversham firm’s portfolio.

Alan Clarke said: “We have been running the Chestfield Barn for the past six years, and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Shepherd Neame during that time, so we were really happy to learn that they would be taking on this site as well.

“We know Shepherd Neame’s team well, and are confident that we can work together to fulfil our ambitions for the pub.

“When The Ship came up earlier this year, we decided to go for it. It is in a fantastic location and there was a huge amount of potential as it had been closed for a while and needed some refurbishment.”