A family's wish that a riverside pub should remain in business after its popular landlord passed away has been granted.

The Ship in Lower Upnor has been taken over by a couple who have given the place a "substantial" makeover – including colourful beach huts and a marquee in the garden.

Danny and Emma Brooker are the new licensees and the pub is already doing a roaring trade with old locals and many new customers flocking through the doors.

The outdoors also has a play park with swings and slides for younger visitors while parents can make use of the extra seating.

The pub is popular for its views overlooking the waterfront where there are often lovely sunsets over the river.

The couple's friend Sam Dack, who used to run another licensed premises for them in south east London, is in charge of day-to-day operations.

The 36-year-old, husband Ellis and daughter Nola, five, have moved into a flat above and are "loving every minute of it".

Sam said: "We already feel at home here and are doing well .We did our first Sunday roast on Easter Sunday and served over a 100. In fact we sold out."

Since the kitchens opened last Thursday they have introduced expanded lunch servings from noon to 4.30pm and introduced a supper menu from 4.30pm until 8pm.

Sam added: "As well as local people we are getting a lot of walkers come in as we are on a coastal pathway route."

The inside is also being decorated with new panelling and brass ornaments to give it "a nautical feel", said Danny who lives in Ash, near New Ash Green.

Neither he or his wife are strangers to the licensing trade – they still run The Red Lion in Shooters Hill, south east London.

Danny's father, a former lighterman on the River Thames, also had pubs in south east London, while Emma, 44, is a singer who has previously performed at The Ship.

The new start follows the death of former publican Andy Devine, who ran the hostelry for five years.

He passed away suddenly at the beginning of the year at the age of 68.

Speaking at the time, his son James said they were adamant the pub should be sold as a licensed premises because that is what his father would have wanted.

Inside there is a commemorative plaque to Andy inviting customers to raise a glass in his memory.