An award-winning chef has assured his Michelin-starred pub will remain open after the building hit the market for more than £1 million.

Dan Smith, who heads the Fordwich Arms near Canterbury, says the sale of the property’s freehold will not impact the popular business.

In fact, he says he and his wife Natasha – who have a lease on the building until 2038 – are hoping to buy it themselves.

"We are ourselves looking at putting an offer in,” he told KentOnline.

"[The lease] will renew to us as we have first right of refusal, but we are looking into an investment to buy the building.

"The sale is part of a wider range of pub sales by the current owners."

The Fordwich Arms is listed as a freehold public house investment.

It is currently let at £68,000 a year, with the Smiths’ lease set to run until March 2038.

The husband-and-wife restaurateurs took on the 19th-century building in Fordwich seven years ago and secured a Michelin star within 10 months – aged just 26.

The duo also run the Michelin-starred Bridge Arms in nearby Bridge.

The ground floor of The Fordwich Arms offers an open-plan trading area with a central bar servery in the front room while the dining room to the rear has seating for about 50 customers.

Externally, a customer patio and lawn to the rear of the building overlooks the river with seating for 69 customers and parking to the front for 12 vehicles.

The historic pub in Britain’s smallest town had previously been run by town stalwarts Sue and Shaun Donnelly who retired after 24 years in November 2017.

The Smiths had their work cut out winning over locals after renovating the traditional hostelry.

Some disgruntled regulars were unimpressed with price increases and the removal of sandwiches from the bar menu – with one branding it “homely to hipster”.

But in a glowing review, Michelin bosses say: “England’s smallest town is a pretty little place and this elegant Arts and Crafts style building fits it perfectly.

“It sits in a delightful spot beside the river and its wisteria-covered terrace affords wonderful views.

“An impressive wood-topped bar and open fires welcome you in and the wood-panelled dining room bursts with charm.

“The cooking is modern, creative and sometimes playful but this is never at the expense of flavour.

“Excellent quality ingredients, like plump Scottish langoustines, underpin it all.”