A pub that’s been closed for more than nine months is to reopen under new ownership.

The Chequers Inn at Aylesford was shut suddenly in February after the owner’s death.

Now, it has been taken on by Lee Dubois who started out as a postboy in the Snodland Paper Mills.

He got into the pub trade after the pandemic and also owns the Duke’s Head in Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, The Millers Arms in Bexley and The Panini Brothers at Chatham dockside.

After seeing The Chequers Inn up for sale in June, he decided to “go for it”.

The 46-year-old said: “We’re trying to give everyone their pub back for Christmas.

“We’re here for a long time and we want to be here and bring the community spirit back to the pub.

“We’re going to try and cater for everybody and get it packed in here like it used to be.”

Lee got the keys on November 8 and has spent the past two weeks getting it ready for reopening today (Friday, November 22).

The dad-of-two says the pub has been top-to-bottom professionally cleaned and changes have been made to the bar area to provide more seating, fresh paint and a range of checks to plumbing, electric and more.

Additionally new furniture has been ordered but Lee says it won’t arrive until next year and is asking customers to bear with him while he continues to improve the pub as part of an “ongoing investment”.

He said: “We’re a completely new outfit and I’m excited to get it going and build the pub over the next few years.

“Without local support you don’t have a local pub, we’re only here if they support us but I’m here to keep the local community happy.”

The new landlord, who lives in Boxley, says The Chequers Inn will bring back “pub classics” with a focus on freshly cooked food.

He plans to bring in a range of events, from wine tasting, jazz and blues nights.

Lee says the pub will be open on Christmas Day and is taking bookings for Christmas parties.

He added: “It’s going to be all hands on deck and I want to pride the pub on service.

“I’m building a great team around me that’s going to bring back the community pub that everyone craves by the beautiful river…”

“We’re going to go for it and get the pub open so everyone can enjoy Christmas here.”

Lee plans to take a behind the scenes approach, while his front-of-house and bar managers will be the face of the business.

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He said: “I’m building a great team around me that’s going to bring back the community pub that everyone craves by the beautiful river.”

The pub was due to be open from noon today (Friday, November 22).