A son is following in his father's footsteps after securing a tenancy on a well-known pub and launching a £50,000 refurbishment.

James Stiles has been running the King's Head in Deal on behalf of his dad Graham Stiles for almost 10 years.

Having picked up all the experience he needs, the 32-year-old is now embarking on a journey of his own, taking over neighbouring seafront establishment the Port Arms with a five-year agreement with EI Group.

But his investment in the property would suggest the publican intends to make the venue a long term success - mirroring the efforts of his dad who has been a landlord in the town for four decades.

He is injecting £50,000 into transforming the watering hole, working alongside Gerald Wilton Design who have previously worked on The Coastguard in St Margaret's Bay and The Zetland in Kingsdown.

The current lockdown is proving the ideal time to conduct the works, giving it a modern nautical theme ready to welcome new customers for the festive season.

Mr Stiles, who was 23 when he returned from four years as a transfer driver in The Alps to help his dad at The King's Head, said: "I've had an excellent 10 years with the Kings Head and we're very lucky we've got some great managers who work alongside us."

But this new opportunity was a no brainer.

"The location of the building has to be one of the best in Deal, with its views of the sea and the patio outside the front," he said.

"It was destined to be boarded up. We knew that meant steel sheets all over the place and that wouldn't have been a good look.

"My dad encouraged me to go for it and it ties everything together nicely.

"The two pubs will run in conjunction with each other. The idea is that they complement each other."

The former landlady Nicola Pooke vacated the building in July and Mr Stiles used the late summer period to test the waters.

He said: "It was evident from just opening for that short time that the pub wasn't attracting enough custom and needed some new life."

The programme of works has included sanding down the original bar to be replaced with a cladded design and a metal and glass rope feature behind.

There will also be new furniture including tables to accommodate up to 50 people, with glass shields between some to make it Covid-19 safe.

The toilets will be revamped and two double rooms upstairs will be refurbished by Easter.

Mr Stiles said: "It's going to have a nautical and seaside theme with a modern, fresh feel."

The kitchen will offer small plates and snacks with options such as charcuterie and cheeseboards.

Mr Stiles is working all hours to ensure it is ready for the easing of lockdown and ready for reopening on December 3.

Once fully reopened, the business will create between 12 and 15 new jobs.

He said: "The industry requires hardwork but I enjoy putting smiles on peoples' faces and creating a nice atmosphere for people to have a good time. That's the reward for me.

"We're excited to be delivering another quality establishment in the town and look forward to welcoming old and new faces."

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