The Fleur de Lis in Sandwich has opened under new management after a year of standing empty.

Jan Fisher and general manager Matt Cross have taken on the venture in turning the Fleur in Delf Street into a lively pub and restaurant with live music, a function room and hotel.

It will open tomorrow (Thursday) at 5pm after weeks of preparation.

Mrs Fisher explained that more than £10,000 has been spent on the refurbishment and it has created eight to 10 jobs for the town, including opportunities for young people.

She said: “I’m really excited. Even though we haven’t opened yet everyone is really friendly and welcoming. I’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm people are showing for the opening.”

Mrs Fisher has worked in hotels and restaurants all her life, starting out as a chambermaid and later running a hotel at the Princess Grace Hospital in London.

She said: “We want to offer a warm welcome, traditional locally sourced food cooked on site and in a really friendly environment.”

"Everyone is really friendly and welcoming. I’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm people are showing for the opening.” - Mrs Fisher

Mr Cross ran the Valiant Sailor pub in Folkestone and this was where the pair first met and struck up a friendship and a business partnership with the dream of transforming an empty pub.

He will now live on the premises and deal with its day to day running.

He said: “We’ve got the experience and we know how important customer service is. It’s just something that started out very small and it’s grown bigger very quickly.”

They initially had their eyes on the Market Inn in Sandwich but this wasn’t to be. However, chef Paula Johnson, formerly of the Market Inn is now part of their team.

The bar will be serving snacks from today and the restaurant will open in early September.

The hotel, with 11 en-suite bedrooms are available from £80 a night, including breakfast.