Philip and Frank Thorley with chef Tony Atkins, centre, at the opening of the Copperfield restaurant in Broadstairs

A popular Broadstairs pub is back in familiar hands with a classy new look.

The Charles Dickens in Victoria Parade has opened its doors once again, complete with the new David Copperfield restaurant on the first floor.

Owner Frank Thorley welcomed guests to the new-look venue at the official opening ceremony.

He said: “I first bought the pub in 1975 and for many years it was the busiest pub in Kent.

“I decided to sell it in 1981 and I had second thoughts almost straight away but couldn’t stop the sale. At the end of last year I had the opportunity to purchase the freehold.

“After an extensive redesign and refurbishment I am delighted by the trade we’ve attracted so far and long may it continue.”

The Thorleys have spent £600,000 on the refurbishment, stripping the building back and replacing plumbing, heating and decoration and installing two new galley kitchens.

Operations director Phil Thorley said: “We wanted to create a modern British seafront pub with a menu to match and it’s all British-sourced products.

“Manager Ben Garrat used to work at the Queen’s Head in Ramsgate and head chef Tony Atkins came to us from two years at a gastropub in Manchester.”

Thanet South MP Laura Sandys declared the venue officially open, praising the Thorleys’ latest venture.

She said: “It’s great for tourism and Broadstairs as a whole.”