A pub with strong links to Maidstone's military history will re-open its doors as a steak restaurant tomorrow.

The White Rabbit on Sandling Road closed on Monday, February 5 to undergo a transformation into a Miller & Carter Steakhouse.

The Grade II listed building has had a colourful history, serving as the officers' mess for Invicta Barracks, built in 1779 as a reaction to the threat of Napoleon.

However, it will now be home to "the best steak in Maidstone," according to general manager Linda Willis.

She admitted the recent snow conditions had made the makeover process even more challenging, but her team had overcome the challenges, ready to welcome customers from Friday.

"These things never do go as smoothly as planned, due to weather, being an old listed building, it's came with its issues and things to work around, but we're here, and we've made it," she said.

"Customers can expect the best steak in Maidstone for sure and the field to fork experience which is unique to Miller & Carter. The traceability of where our steaks come from, using our own farmers, the quality of breed used, the detail is phenomenal even before it reaches site here.

"When you come inside and see the transformation there's a quirkiness as well because of its history.

"I'm quite a traditional person myself so it means a lot to be working inside a building that means so much to Maidstone as well but planning-wise and trying to fit in the practicalities of running a business in an old listed building is challenging, but we've made it, it's absolutely gorgeous and a credit to Maidstone."

The average price of a steak in the restaurant is £21 though bosses insist there will be a fixed-price menu for those on budgets.