Bosses behind a popular pub are selling up just four months after a major redesign as rising costs have made it "harder than ever to stay afloat".

Landlady Colleen Chapman took over Ashford's William Harvey Inn with her family in 2018 and since then has worked to shift its previous "bad reputation".

The Willesborough site went through a revamp and introduced new Thai and Caribbean menus just four months ago, but the rising cost of living and increasing bills have made it too difficult to continue.

Ms Chapman's grandson and bar manager, Charlie Smith, said: "Leaving The William Harvey Inn has not been an easy decision for us, and we are all truly gutted that our time here is coming to an end.

"Over the past four years we have formed great relationships with all of our customers, and the sense of community is heartwarming.

"Unfortunately, our current outgoings have meant that our business is unsustainable.

"With the gas and electricity prices soaring, and our crippling business rates, it is harder than ever to stay afloat.

"All of this combined with the rise of beer costs in April 2023 has led to our current situation.

"Thank you to all our regular customers, old and new, particularly those who try their best to support us in any way they can, including our ‘Karate Club’, ‘Church Choir Club’ and our infamous ‘Friday Club’!

"We would also like to extend a note of appreciation to Jay and Kim, Kelly and Jim and Steve and Andy.

"We would like to wish the new owners the best of luck, and hope that they enjoy the pub as much as we all have.

"Also, we’d like to say a massive thank you to Tracy Cronk, who has played a huge part in keeping the pub alive.

"She is not only a fantastic bar maid but now also a part of our extended family."

Mr Smith oversaw the recent revamp of the Grade II-listed historic pub.

The team spent four days refreshing the bar and restaurant inside, and two days repainting the exterior walls to brighten up the facility in Church Road.

The bathrooms and the pool room have also been renovated and sofas now sit in front of the historic fireplace to create a cosy space.

Ms Chapman's last day behind the bar will be February 28 with the new managers set to take over two days later.