A popular seafront hotel has issued plans to revamp its beer garden with a new outdoor bar.

The Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs has submitted designs to Thanet District Council requesting to build a garden bar and a pergola on the terrace overlooking the sea.

Managers say the new bar would ease congestion in the main hotel during the summer months when the venue gets extremely busy.

The hotel, which is owned by Shepherd Neame, currently has table and chairs and parasols in the garden but is aiming to upgrade the outdoor spaces.

The proposed pergola structure would "protect diners from the local seagulls" while also improving the appearance of the terrace area, the application says.

It is part of multiple changes bosses are hoping to make to the Grade-II listed building including fitting awnings to the front of the building on Albion Street returning the hotel closer to the original designs.

The plans request to install a new internal window between the bar and reception area to offer sea views from the entrance of the hotel when guests arrive.

The garden bar will be made of a painted shiplap timber which hotel managers say is "in keeping with the seaside location".

The pergola is also proposed to be made of timber to "complement existing timber finishes to the garden area".

The hotel, which has 21 rooms overlooking the town and the sea, was built in 1760 and is also former residence of Charles Dickens. A plaque commemorates the author's links to the building.

The brewery spent £650,000 on renovations in 2016 including a complete overhaul of the restaurant and a new decking area.

Shepherd Neame submitted its plans to the council on June 14 and a public consultation is due to end on July 16.

To view the plans visit the Thanet District Council planning portal and search for application F/TH/19/0823.

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