A new pub is set to open at a former high street bank after undergoing a plus makeover costing more than £250,000.

The owners have given the boozer in Rainham a tongue-in-cheek name - The Greedy Banker.

It is set to launch tomorrow (Friday).

Lifelong mates Jamie Clark and Tom Mudge, who run the successful Dead Pigeon micropub in Rochester, have pledged to open a pub "with a difference" at the former Barclays.

They are hoping that it will help "Rainham become the new Rochester" when it comes to going out in Medway.

The hostelry will boast 100 craft beers providing "Medway's biggest tap wall", a wide range of wines and a full cocktail list.

"Banging food" will be on the menu, including the mouthwatering giant packed burgers which have won them a widespread reputation.

Jamie said: "There would be a riot if the burgers were not there. We've had people come from Cardiff and Liverpool for one of them at the Dead Pigeon."

Live sport will be screened at the prominent building, which has been empty for about a year.

They are also hoping that, being at the top of Station Road, it will appeal to commuters on their way home.

Jamie said: "Quality is key. We both go out in London and we aim to bring it to the same standard of where people go out to lunch in town."

The business partners' new venture is close to their hearts as they both grew up and went to school in Rainham.

The bank vaults downstairs will be used for storage and a possible beer-tasting room and the top floor could be used for functions and live entertainment at some stage.

Building on the success of their first venture, this premises is bigger than the micropub in the high street between Rochester and Chatham.

They will be employing up to 25 more staff and it will cater for about 100 seated customers.

Tom is a chef and Jamie takes care of the paperwork and marketing side of the business while Jamie’s wife, Rachel, also helps out with admin.

Jamie said: “We have been looking at Rainham for some time.

"A lot of our existing customers come from around this area and have asked when we are going to move here.

"It got to a stage when I avoided the place because people were stopping me in the street and asking when we were going to open."

The men opened their micropub in 2018 and unlike many other licensed premises their trade boomed during lockdown with a much sought-after takeaway service.

Jamie said : "It could be a gamble, but there comes a time when you have to take a risk.

"The response so far has been amazing. We've even had old bank staff get in touch saying they will be back."

Rich David, founder of the Rainham, Kent Community Group, said: "I think the new restaurant is great.

"It will be a lovely local treat if Rochester's Dead Pigeon restaurant is anything to go by"

The opening will be an economic boost for the town which has seen the closure of the Green Lion pub further along the high street, and the Iceland supermarket shutting in the shopping precinct. This is due to reopen as a Poundland.

The Nucleus arts project which runs cafés and galleries in Rochester and Chatham is due to open a branch in the town soon.