An historic town centre pub which hosted royalty centuries ago has closed for 12 weeks for a £1.2 million makeover.

The Crown, which stands near Rochester Bridge on the High Street, is ditching its well-known red shades for a more majestic black and gold.

And once reopened, the boozer, dating back to the late 1700s, is reverting to its original name, The Royal Crown.

It was bought in 2019 for about £1m by Kent brewery Shepherd Neame which is overseeing the massive facelift.

Shepherd Neame’s managing director Jonathon Swaine said: “We are delighted to confirm that as part of ongoing investment in our estate, we are undertaking a major refurbishment of The Crown, Rochester.

“Our aim is to retain and enhance the unique features of this historic Grade II-listed building, while also introducing a stylish look and feel.

“We are also planning to mark the relaunch by returning the pub to its original name, The Royal Crown.

“We closed the pub at the start of this month to begin work, and plan to reopen to customers in November.”

For two decades it was managed by the Krays, father Steve and eldest son Pete, who spent £300,000 on improvements.

They changed the name from Norman Conquest to The Crown and transformed the upper floor into The Sports Bar with eight screens to watch matches and events and two full-size pool tables.

Mr Swaine added: “As part of the refurbishment we will be undertaking a stylish transformation of our first floor area, previously known as The Sports Bar.

“It will continue to be a function room with its own bar and facilities, available for private hire, and to maximise the space available we are removing the pool table currently situated there.

“We will remain the place to watch live sport, continuing to show Sky Sports and BT Sports.”

The pub featured in the 2014 Rochester and Strood by-election prompted by then MP Mark Reckless defecting from the Conservatives to the UK Independence Party.

Nigel Farage, leader of UKIP, made numerous visits to Rochester to support his colleague and held press conferences outside the venue, popping in for his favourite tipple.

Reporters and TV crews converged on the town to cover the campaign - and likewise banner-waving UKIP protestors aired their views - all with the hostelry as a backdrop.

Historically, the original pub hosted royalty including Elizabeth I and King Charles V of Spain before it was demolished.

It was also where Henry VII came in secret to get a sneak peek of his intended fourth bride, Anne of Cleves.