A town centre pub will be closing until April for a large scale £900,000 transformation and will return with a new name.

Earls, on Earl Street Maidstone, is set to close its doors to pub-goers on Friday but its closure brings some exciting new developments.

More jobs will also be coming to the county town with the overhaul. Its new name will be The Market House, reverting back to its original title.

When regulars return later this year they will find a fully redecorated interior, an extended roof terrace, and new kitchen to serve up a range of food using local ingredients.

Works will also include an altered floor layout to make more space for customers at the Shepherd Neame pub.

Punters can also look forward to an extended drinks menu featuring an eclectic range of beers, craft spirits, and cocktails as well as coffee.

A Shepherd Neame spokesman said: “The pub dates back to the 1800s, and we will be commemorating the fresh start by reinstating its original name The Market House. We will be retaining the pub’s emphasis on live music, however, and look forward to welcoming great talent from the local area.

“Due to the expansion of the pub’s facilities, we are currently advertising for 12 additional full and part-time staff to join the team."

Visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk/jobs for more information on working at the renovated pub.