Talking parrots, marmoset monkeys, a grey great owl called Noodle and a pig with arthritis are all set to move into a pub garden, as a couple create their own zoo.

Andy and Kelly Cowell have taken over the Fenn Bell Inn on the Hoo Peninsula and will be moving in along with their collection of weird and wonderful creatures.

They have around 200 animals at their farm in Stoke Road; ranging from cats and chickens to macaws and a South American racoon.

Since moving to the village, word has spread about their unusual pets and people will often knock on their door, asking to see them. This gave Andy the idea to create somewhere where people could come to see the animals.

Neither Andy or Kelly have ever pulled a pint before and have no experience of running a pub, but this weekend they will open the doors of the Fenn Bell after completely refurbishing the 17th century inn.

Over the next few months they will be gradually moving the animals from their home a few miles up the road, to newly built enclosures in the pub garden. The mini zoo will be officially opened in April.

Andy, 45, said: “We looked at a few places but nothing worked out so we shelved the idea. But then we found out the Fenn Bell was shutting down. I immediately wrote to Shepherd Neame and they loved the idea.”

The couple, who have two children, Sydnee, 12, and Jordan, 20, took over the premises on September 30 and have worked around the clock to get the pub ready for opening tomorrow (Saturday). It has a new kitchen, windows, toilets and patio.

Andy said: “Shepherd Neame have been brilliant and we have had a lot of help from friends. We are knackered but it’s been fantastic.”

Now the couple are looking forward to moving the animals in.

Andy said: “We want it to be a place where you can come and just enjoy it, and for free. We will never charge people for the zoo.

“People will be able to see things they wouldn’t usually see. We have a lot of talking parrots and they are hysterical. When you see kids’ faces when they hear the birds, it’s incredible. People will be blown away.”

The pub reopens at 4pm on Saturday and will be serving food from February. Follow The Fenn Bell Inn on Facebook for more updates.