An historic Maidstone pub has reopened following a major £900,000 restoration.

The pub, formerly known as Earls, has now taken on its original Victorian name of the Market House.

In addition, it has hired a new team to run the venue.

It is situated opposite the Hazlitt Theatre and next to the Fremlin Walk shopping centre.

It was closed in January while brewer Shepherd Neame undertook the work.

Inside, the pub’s ground floor bar area has been opened up to create more space, the stairs have been moved and a former storage area has been converted into a kitchen.

Outside, a new covered drinking and dining area has been installed to the front of the building, and a new first floor roof terrace created overlooking Fremlin Walk.

There is also a new function room on the first floor.

It opened for business again on April 30.

Lou Davies, the pub’s new general manager, who has overseen the recruitment of 17 new full and part-time staff, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the fantastic feedback we have received since opening the doors to the new Market House.

"The pub looks absolutely fantastic, and we have a great team in place, working hard to ensure that the Market House fulfils its incredible potential.”

Shepherd Neame's director of retail and tenanted operations Nigel Bunting said: “Our objective was to retain the pub’s historic character and atmosphere while creating an exciting environment in which to drink and dine."