ONE of Kent's most historic country inns has been offered for rent on a 15-year lease by its owners and operators Shepherd Neame.

The Grade I listed Crown Inn at Sarre, near Margate, is known locally as The Cherry Brandy House because of a cherished recipe for cherry brandy brought to the area by the Huguenots escaping the religious persecutions of Louis XIV.

The 15th century building was a half-way house and early posting inn between Canterbury and Thanet on the east coast.

Many original features remain, including a 16th century priest hole discovered in the roof space during restoration.

Survivors of the Charge of the Light Brigade held their reunion dinners at the Crown Inn and it has been visited by stars of stage and screen and well as famous authors Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling.

The detached, two-storey property features a bar, restaurant and function room, 14 en-suite letting bedrooms, owner's cottage, gardens and car park. The Dickens Room and patio are licensed for civil weddings.

Kevin Chapman of Christie and Co business agents at Maidstone said: "This is a superb opportunity for an enthusiastic operator to acquire a quality leasehold inn of immense character."