An empty town centre pub is set to open soon as a restaurant.

Developers have asked for permission to convert a flat at the former Three Gardeners into part of a kitchen for Wills Fish and Grill.

The grade-II listed building in North Street, Strood, has been boarded up since the hostelry closed more than 10 years ago.

It has been considered an eyesore in the town which has undergone a revamp in recent years.

It was given listed status because of its architectural interest as an example of a substantial, detached early 18th century townhouse.

The application, submitted to Medway Council's planning department, also includes the installation of an external flue, lighting and signage.

A few doors away, another historic alehouse, the Crispin and Crispianus, which was once frequented by world-renown author Charles Dickens, is to be turned into a bed and breakfast and tea rooms.

It is currently undergoing substantial renovation work after it was ravaged by fire.

It was bought at auction in 2012, but has since fallen into increasing disrepair.

The 17th century pub featured in Dickens' 1860 work, The Uncommercial Traveller in which he describes how travelling workers would stay there.

The novelist was said to sit in the corner supping ale on his way back to his home at Gad's Hill, Higham.

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