A historic Maidstone pub is set to reopen tomorrow (Saturday) after the former landlady of another popular pub took it on.

The Fisherman’s Arms, which dates from 1430 and is believed to be the town’s oldest building, is due to start serving punters from 6pm, two months after it shut.

The Lower Stone Street venue will be overseen by Valerie Gillingham, who ran the British Queen in Square Hill for eight years before it closed for development earlier this year.

The 46-year-old said she is confident the pub will be a success and has secured a tie-free lease, meaning she does not have to stock Shepherd Neame ales.

Instead, she hopes to provide at least one house beer from her own brewery, Gem Stone Ales, as well as a variety of craft beers and locally produced spirits.