A popular pub has reopened following a three-month refurbishment and expansion project costing £1.2 million.

A stylish glass extension has been added to The Ship and Trades in Chatham Maritime creating extra seating for an additional 80 diners.

The outside area has also been upgraded to include new undercover seating with heating.

Five new en-suite rooms have been added to the first floor, two with waterfront balconies , taking the total number of rooms to 15.

The pub and hotel has been given a complete makeover with the new decor inspired by the building’s nautical heritage.

Dating from 1875, the Ship and Trades’ basic structure was originally erected in a London dock and moved to Chatham during its expansion in boat building, to house dockyard offices and an engineering shop.

It was taken over by Shepherd Neame in 2001. In recent years the family-run chain has bought 17 pubs and sold 50 as well as spending spent £8.6 million on refurbishment projects as it shifts its focus on quality rather than quantity.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “The Ship and Trades boasts a unique location in Chatham Maritime, which has become a vibrant place to live, work, and visit, and we wanted to maximise its potential.”

The expansion has created 20 new roles, taking the total number of full and part-time staff to more than 50.