The group behind the Battle of Britain Airshow has announced a 17th century pub is the latest addition to its fleet.

The owner of Aero Legends, based at Headcorn Aerodrome, has taken over The Barrow House in Egerton, a pub with links to Kent's aviation history.

The company, which offers vintage flight experiences, including Spitfire trips, hopes to relaunch the pub with a Second World War theme, accompanied by aviation artefacts and a menu inspired by the 1940s.

In a statement it said: "During the war and until recently this pub was called 'The George'. It was the local for the heroic Canadian and US pilots based at RAF Headcorn, RAF Lashenden and RAF Staplehurst.

"Many wartime pilots have signed the fireplace in the pub including those from 403, 411 and 443 Squadrons that operated our Spitfires NH341 'Elizabeth' and MJ444.

"From the garden you can hear our Spitfires taking off at Headcorn Aerodrome and they will be overhead the village many times during the summer.

"We will be reopening the pub in the very near future as 'The George' to respect its history and will do our best to make it the centre of the village again with great food, an excellent range of beverages and a friendly welcome."

The Barrow House is a listed building dating back to 1576 and has been a public house since the 17th century.

There are a few structural works that need to be done but this will take place over time.

As well as the bar and restaurant, the pub will also have rooms to let with priority given to those flying with Aero Legends.

Keith Perkins, owner of Vintage Legends Group, said: "I looked at a number of properties but because this one had the aviation connection it seemed like a natural fit.

"Two of the spitfires we operate were flown by the squadrons that were based at RAF Headcorn so the people who drank in that pub would have potentially been the ones who flew our spitfires.

"We are forever trying to find places for the people who fly with us to stay and people come from all over the world so now we have some accommodation for them.

"On our opening night we might even get some of our personality pilots pulling pints with live music to make it a fun place to be."

Although no date has been set, Mr Perkins hopes to officially open the pub next month just in time for the Battle of Britain Airshow which is scheduled for June 25 to 27 at the aerodrome.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the 2020 event was the only conventional airshow to take place in Europe.

This year's event will be the sixth and will feature choreographed Battle-of-Britain era aircraft displays with family friendly attractions and re-enactments.

To prebook tickets, click here.

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