Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company (WOFC) is considering applying to open a new seafront drinking spot, KentOnline can reveal.

The firm - which owns a number of nearby venues - has confirmed it is thinking about re-developing the building between The Pearson's Arms and Keam's Yard studio, which formerly housed Kent & London furniture shop.

However, the plans are still in the early stages and it is not clear what the venue - dubbed a "taproom" - would comprise.

A taproom is typically a venue which sells craft beers and real ales on tap.

An WOFC spokesman said: "A pre-application is indeed being considered at present.

"This is partly an advisory process to see what may be feasible and by its nature means that nothing is in any way confirmed, rather that we are looking at the possible re-development of a site that has long been owned by the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company."

WOFC - run by James Green - farms oysters in Whitstable, and employs more than 150 people across the company. As well as running the Oyster Fishery Restaurant on Whitstable seafront, it has developed a variety of ventures including the Hotel Continental, East Quay Venue bar and restaurant and Whitstable Brewery.

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