An historic pub will be reopening its doors this evening and there will be a familiar face behind the bar.

Shepherd Neame has confirmed the Dover Castle, in Teynham, is welcoming back landlord Stuart George.

The old coaching inn, which has been serving punters on the A2 between Sittingbourne and Faversham since the 1640s, has been shut for just under a week.

Known for its three dining areas, the dog-friendly pub also has a large terrace and a garden overlooking an orchard.

Stuart George first took over the watering hole with his partner, Kelly Tompkins, in 2017.

The pair have also run the Tudor Rose in Chestnut Street, Borden, near the A249 and Key Street roundabout.

However, in March 2023 the pair confirmed they had to put the Dover Castle back into the care of Shepherd Neame to focus on running the Borden pub.

A year later and Mr George is set to start serving Teynham punters once more.

Director of tenanted pub operations, Greg Wallis, said: “We are delighted to welcome back licensee Stuart George to run the Dover Castle in Teynham.

“Stuart previously ran the Dover Castle for more than six years, and also currently runs another of our pubs, The Tudor Rose in Borden.

“We are confident that he will take the Dover Castle from strength to strength.”