A popular live music venue is being taken over by a brewery as the current owners have decided to move on to other projects.

The Smugglers Beer and Music Cafe in Sandwich will be run under a different name by Time and Tide Brewery from the new year.

Brewery co-founder Kerry Campling says they are excited about launching at the site in Delf Street, with the new venue set to be called Time & Tide Taphouse.

"It came about a little bit out of the blue," she said.

"We didn't really plan it, although we've always been looking for a town centre bar.

"We recently opened the front of our brewery as a tap room so we'd had some experience in the bar side of things, as well as in the brewery.

"We've got the best intentions for the place and know they have looked after it well. We also have a similar customer base so it just felt like the right thing to do.

"We want it to continue to be a hub for people to come and have a chat, a beer and enjoy themselves.

"Any changes will be minor. We may get more fridge storage as we won't be taking on the record side.

"People will also have the option to get takeaway beers."

The current owners will ring last orders over the weekend of January 6.

"The time has come to close the doors on Smugglers Beer and Music Café," they wrote on Facebook.

"We opened in 2019 and since that day have received nothing but love from the people of Sandwich and surrounding areas.

"We have hosted weddings, wakes, punk bands and first dates.

"We have served thousands of pints from hundreds of breweries and you have left poorer, more intoxicated and happier each time you crossed that threshold.

"We have loved meeting and serving you all. Huge thanks to all the staff that have worked with us, to the bands and artists that have performed for us and to the suppliers of lovely boozes that have kept us well stocked."

They added it is "not sad news though", informing customers of Time and Tide's takeover.

"They will be taking over the premises to turn it into a tap room for their fantastic beer that has been pouring from those taps for all these years," they wrote.

"The beers speak for themselves and the people are as lovely as you will meet. We know that you will be in safe hands with them at the helm.

"Our sister shop, Smugglers Records, somehow remains open in Deal as well for your vinyl, cask and craft needs.

"We are planning a big final few weeks with more details to come over the following days and weeks."