A new chapter in the life of a historic town centre building began this week as the former courthouse opened its doors as a Wetherspoon’s pub.

Magistrates joined borough mayor Cllr Anita Walker at the official function proclaiming The Golden Hope ready to serve on Tuesday.

The inspiration behind the name is a Thames spritsail sailing barge, which was built in 1866, and sailed for many years until it was converted into “a floating home”.

Hundreds of these wooden vessels, with their red-brown sails, were made in nearby creeks and inlets to transport Kentish bricks, but few have survived.

In all the pub chain spent £2m revamping the Park Road venue.

It’s wheelchair accessible, has a specially-adapted toilet for people with disabilities, has one bar and two beer gardens, with smoking permitted in a designated area.

On the first floor above the boozer, is a “hotel” which boasts just three bedrooms – one master suite and two double rooms.

Historical photos, details of local history, information relating to events, historical buildings and characters of the area, as well as artwork by local artists are on display. It also reflects the buildings former life as a court house, with the prison cells converted into private dining areas with distinctive booth seating.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “It has been busy since it opened and the reaction from customers has been excellent.

“They have commented how wonderful the pub looks and the overall reaction has been very positive.”