A popular pub once called a “drug den” but now known for its popular Sunday carvery is looking for a new landlord.

The lease for the Hastings Arms in Lower Rainham Road, Gillingham, is up for grabs for £45,000.

Current owner Debbie Tilbrook is looking for someone to take over the pub’s lease after her husband Colin passed away in 2021 after a Covid-19-induced stroke.

The 60-year-old and her husband ran the pub for more than 17 years, first as managers in 2006 and then as owners from 2007.

When the pair started to run the pub themselves, its carpets were 50 years old and the wallpaper, signage and curtains were all based on the Battle of Hastings.

The landlady told KentOnline that when she became the owner “you had to watch your back”.

But the pair transformed the place into the family-friendly venue it is today.

She said: “We have changed this place from a drug den to a great pub.

“There used to be drug packets all over the ground but we worked with the police to root out the problems.

“We stamped out the drug culture ourselves by confronting users which saw my husband take a few clumps.

“It was awful. We had to put Vaseline in our bathrooms, including on the toilet cisterns, to stop cocaine use.

“It was hairy but we now attract good customers and we have a welcoming, family pub now.”

Thanks to the Debbie and Colin’s no-nonsense approach, the pub has a 4.5-star rating for its food, service and value on Trip Advisor.

One reviewer said that “the food was yummy and great value for money and the staff so friendly and helpful; I can't wait to come again”.

However, Debbie is looking to sell the lease as she “can’t run the pub without Colin.”

She said: “It's just too much for me to do on my own even though the staff are fantastic.

“I have lots of happy memories of the pub and I love running it because of the social life, but at the moment it’s a strain as I have family members to look after.

“Now I am looking for the right person to take over the lease. The pub will stay a pub.”

The place went up for sale on March 25 on the Right Move website.

There is a large conference room, which is mainly used as a restaurant and can seat about 70 people.

There are an additional 30 seats for drinks only, but that number can increase during the summer months thanks to the beer garden.