A self-confessed real-ale geek has been granted a licence to sell booze at a buiding known as the wonky shop.

Paul Dixon aims to have his micropub, the Wolfe and Castle in Rochester High Street, open within a month.

But he has downscaled plans for a late night off-licence after listening to residents' concerns.

The dad-of three has given up his advertising job in London to pursue his dream of running his own pub – offering punters a wide range of craft beers.

He had intended to open a bottle shop selling alcohol up to 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights,

But he has now agreed to call last orders on this service at 7pm to curb potential anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

The 43-year-old said: "I have listened to people's opinions and I have decided to ring a bell and call time at 7pm to stop selling off-sales."

Among those he has been in consultation with are ward councillor Stuart Tranter and his wife Sarah Tranter, who is chairman of the town's forum.

They felt that a late hour off-licence could attract extra noise and litter over the weekend when the town is frequented by hundreds of revellers.

He added: "I have had the builders lined up to start work as soon as I got the licence."

Paul and partner Fran, 41, moved to the town in January last year to escape the hustle and bustle of the London.

While they love the area and their youngest child has settled at a new school, they miss one thing – somewhere nearby to have a good beer.

The father-of-three said: "I could see there was a gap in the market. We hope to bring something different to Rochester, a unique and valuable addition to the High Street."

He also hopes to set up an online store selling beers from brewers such as Floc, Deya, Cloudwater and Verdant, as well as alcohol-free beers.

He said: "Customers might come in for a couple of small beers and, because of the drink-driving rules, buy a couple of cans to take home.

"I love the 'wonky shop'. It's got bags of character and I'm looking forward to getting involved with the community in the High Street.

Fran, still commutes to her job in London, but will be helping out if they get very busy.

The couple have three children – Lea, 18, Emily, 14, and Jude, five – and live in St Margaret's Street.

Over the years, the building, which dates back 500 years, has changed hands on numerous occasions and at one time was used as a brothel.

It's the second micropub to open in the historic section of the High Street.

Three Sheets to the Wind, an Anglo-Austrian themed family-run business, opened at the Star Hill end last April.