A prominent pub in a busy town centre is for sale at auction.

The Pilot in Upper Stone Street, Maidstone, had been given a guide price of £260,000.

The hostelry includes residential accommodation on the upper floors, and there is a beer terrace and a sadly rather overgrown garden.

It is being offered freehold and would suit someone looking to run their own business.

The building dates from the 16th century and is Grade II listed. It has timber beams and an inglenook fireplace.

The Pilot has had a checkered history in recent years – first closing in 2017, although it later re-opened.

It also suffered a fire in an outbuilding in 2018.

It was a Harvey’s pub, the Sussex brewery’s only outlet in Maidstone.

The pub is lot 127 of 150 lots being offered for sale through Clive Emson auctioneers in a two-day sale that starts on Monday, December 11.

There is one bedroom living accommodation on the first floor and three further inter-connecting rooms in the attic.

The pub is currently vacant.