A pub shut for more than three years due to the pandemic has reopened under new management with a fresh new look.

The Castle Tavern, in Sheerness High Street, on Sheppey, served its last pints ahead of the country’s first lockdown in March 2020.

Husband and wife Stuart and Diane Potter didn’t want to sell up but decided not to reopen four months later when restrictions lifted in order to spend more time with their family.

Instead they started a search for a new boss to take over the reins.

The couple have since leased the building to Luke Povey – a 31-year-old who has also worked at pubs including The Flying Dutchman and the Aviator in Queenborough.

Asked why he decided to take over, Mr Povey said: “I knew Diane and Stuart anyway, and they wanted to give someone else the chance to run it, and they decided to lease it to me which has been amazing.

"They had been doing it for a long time beforehand and just wanted to breath some new life into the pub, and since we opened it's been positive and busy.

“We're right as you enter town as well with everyone driving and walking past it, so the fact we're dog-friendly should also set us up well.

"I obviously have some plans which I wish to implement like some new live music ideas and creating a real family pub atmosphere.

"We also have a great foundation with our new pub garden, so with the makeover we have given it inside too it just needed a bit of TLC after being empty for so long.

"People who have walked in already have said it looks fresh, modern and still offering your typical pub grub which is what they remember.

"We have renovated the front of the bar, but nothing too major apart from redecorating as it's the same bone structure with just a bit of a facelift."

Diane Potter, who, alongside her husband, ran the pub for 20 years since first taking it over back in 2003.

She insists the pandemic gave her time to reflect on her life goals, and so made the decision to hand the baton over to Mr Povey – something she already believes was the right decision.

“We ran the pub for 20 years, and so during the lockdowns my husband and I found time for us and wanted to spend more time with our family,” the 58-year-old said.

“So given my age and that I was on the verge of retiring, we had enough and thought it would be right to allow a new, younger person to take over the reins and experience the buzz of creating some amazing memories.

“It’s taken a long time for us to move out though and to find someone new to take charge, despite us having a lot of interest as we have had a few time-wasters.

“But since leaving school Luke has worked in the industry and has a great personality, so we are going to support him in every way he needs.

“He’s going to bring back game nights with the likes of pool and darts competitions, and allow the pub to socialise with the whole community again.

“We still have no intention of selling it – we want it to stay as a pub – and with Luke in charge he’s already given the place some great new cosmetic changes for the long-term.”