A pub has undergone a complete transformation in its first refurbishment in nearly a decade.

Tina Hunt, manager at the Horse and Groom in Wilmington, near Dartford, says they focused on being environmentally friendly and opted to repurpose a lot of its existing furniture during the makeover.

The 50-year-old, who has been running the pub for more than five years, said: “We’ve basically had a full interior redecoration and a full exterior transformation.

“One of the things I was very conscious of was that I didn't want us to lose our identity as a business.

“We’ve always had a mix of furniture and we’ve got lots of antique tables.

“We didn't want to lose that identity because that’s who we are so we’ve actually repurposed a lot of our furniture and had it sanded, retreated and revarnished so we keep our heritage.”

The pub has also had all its pre-existing wooden floors restored and some new furniture added.

On top of this, new chairs have been added, its seating has been given fresh upholstery and its toilets have been redone.

Tina, who has been in the trade for 35 years, added: “We’ve had new lighting put around the bar which has really opened it up and made it a lot brighter.

“Lots of new contemporary style artwork has gone up as well.

“There’s a lot that’s happened, it’s a massive change to the business. We’ve been very mindful about being environmentally friendly.

“We haven’t wasted stuff for the sake of it, if there were things we could repurpose we’ve done it.”

On the outside of the building, new signage has been put up and there are plans for an old-school pub sign – which is something the venue had in the past – to be added in the next few months.

The car park has also been relined and the potholes at its entrance have been repaired.

The refurbishment cost around £120,000 and the pub was shut between September 30 and October 8 for the internal works to take place.

A new menu has also been introduced, with the food on offer being described as “fresh and seasonal”.

The pub already puts on a number of events including a monthly quiz, live music twice a month and charity events.

It will be hosting party nights next month leading up to Christmas.

Tina added: “The pub is doing really well so it’s nice that it’s been given a refresh.”

The Horse and Groom is owned by Shepherd Neame, which has more than 300 pubs and hotels in London and the South East.