An historic High Street pub is up for sale for £1.2m following reports of ‘poor health’ in the family who runs it.

Kevin Gibbons, landlord of the Grade II listed Cinque Port Arms in New Romney, said he will be sad to see the 700-year-old pub to go.

He said: “We have worked so hard on this place and we have created a monster of a business, we just can’t cope with the demand now as things have changed.

“A member of the family/business has become poorly and me and my partner are expecting a baby.

“You can replace a business but you can’t replace a person.

“Personally I hope the community will buy it – it’s a community pub now, it’s a busy pub so why not?”

Mr Gibbons and business partner Sharon Epps took over the pub two years ago in their first venture as landlords.

They have since shelled out more than £500,000 in an ambitious overhaul.

Estate agents Sidney Phillips, which specialises in licensed premises, are marketing the Cinque Port Arms as: “a high turnover business with potential to increase food menu.”

It says: “Located in New Romney, Kent. Fully refurbished Grade II public house.

Bar areas (60 capacity) and function room (40 capacity).

“Four bedroom owner’s accommodation.

“Patio and garden (80 capacity) & private parking (3 capacity).

“High turnover business with potential to increase food menu.”

“Freehold £1,200,000.”

Shepway District Council (SDC) agreed to increase the pub’s legal capacity from 75 to 220 people last month and granted permission for music to be played in the recently built extension.

Susie Govett, SDC councillor for New Romney wished Mr Gibbons and Ms Epps ‘the best of luck’ for the future.

“I think a pub going up for sale for £1.2m on the marsh shows it is ripe for investment.

“It has become a fantastic pub and I wish them all the best for the future.”