The Queen Anne is opening its doors to everyone in an effort to turn around the ailing gay pub’s fortunes.

Craig Burns remembers the Sittingbourne Road venue as the beating heart of Maidstone’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community when he and husband Leon used to drink there a few years ago.

Now the 36-year-old and Leon, 28 – who between them have years of experience in the industry and were most recently in charge of Sittingbourne’s Long Hop Inn – have taken the reins and want to put it back on the map.

He said: “This is quite a nice challenge for us. A number of people have come and gone over the past few years and the pub and community need some stability.

“We used to drink here quite a lot when Ricky and Darren were in charge. It was thriving then and we want to make it the heart of the gay community in Maidstone again but are opening the doors for everyone.”

The couple have big plans for The Queen Anne, with owner Admiral Inns injecting £100,000 into the pub for a refurbishment which will begin in 12 weeks. The pub opened last week and will serve customers from 12pm until close every day.

In an effort to pull in families there will also be a two for £10 offers on main courses, while children under five eat free with any paying adult.

Mr Burns said: “We want to create a safe and friendly environment for anyone to come in.

“When the previous landlord left they told the community it was becoming a steak house. We want to make people aware we are back up and running and they should not stay away.

“A lot of the gay community in Maidstone now feel they have nowhere to go and feel safe.”

Quiz nights, karaoke and monthly drag performances are also part of the plan to get business booming again.