At last there are great expectations for a pub once frequented by Charles Dickens as work gets under way to turn it into a B&B.

The Crispin and Crispianus in Strood, which was ravaged by a fire, was bought at auction for £92,000 in 2012.

But since then there appears to have been no progress into refurbishing the historic hostelry amid fears it would remain a boarded-up eyesore in the town centre for years to come.

However, the new owner, who does not want to be named, is currently working with a team to convert it into 14 en-suite guest rooms.

Born and bred in the town, he hopes to introduce a theme to honour the great novelist who used to drop in for a tipple on the way back to his home at Gad's Hill, Higham.

He said: "It is a big job and I can't say how long it will take. But we shall do it and breathe new life into the place.

"We have been working with conservationists to ensure the work is carried out properly."

The pub was said to be a favourite of the literary icon and provided inspiration for his colourful characters.

Dickens apparently sat in the corner drinking ale while people-watching in order to better understand the intricacies of human behaviour.

The 17th century boozer featured in his 1860 work The Uncommercial Traveller, where he described how travelling workers would stay there.

A blaze ripped through the derelict business in London Road in March 2011 destroying the timber frame and interior.

A joint investigation by Kent Fire and Rescue Service and police concluded it was arson.

The A2 was closed for days and traffic diverted around the site until the building was deemed safe.

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