A popular seaside pub which suddenly closed earlier this year has re-opened following a makeover by its new hosts, who have previously run venues in Ibiza.

The East Kent in Oxford Street, Whitstable, which dates back to 1802, shut in March after the tenants reported “unexpected breakdowns”.

But now Joel Belchem and Lois Breckell have taken on the traditional Shepherd Neame-owned pub and say they are delighted with the support they are already getting from the town.

The former landlords, Natalie and Andrew Hennessy, turned the former ‘wet-only’ boozer into a popular gastro pub with the focus on good food, which won many plaudits.

Now Joel, 41, and Lois, 40, plan to build on that reputation while continuing to welcome those who just want to pop in for a couple of pints.

The pair were

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