From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall. 15 February 2018.

Ramblinns is opening a new pub in the heart of Folkestone and it will serve a menu bursting with local produce.

The pub chain will open in the former Happy Frenchman on Christ Church road.

New life will be breathed into a much loved boozer in Folkestone following a takeover by pub chain, Ramblinns.

The "Happy Frenchman" in Christ Church Road has seen many incarnations in its 160 year history.

In May last year the pub – which first opened its doors in 1857 – suddenly closed for the final time, much to the dismay of the community.

It has remained derelict and untouched until now, after Ramblinns owner John Rogers jumped at the chance to pick up the keys to the popular boozer.

Ramblinns runs a collection of country inns nestled in “special places around the south east”, including the "Five Bells Inn" in Brabourne, near Ashford, the "Woolpack Inn" in Warehorne, Ashford and the "Globe Inn" in Rye.

Eight weeks’ worth of refurbishment works are due to take place at the pub, transforming it into “a lovely public house for the people of Folkestone.”

Mr Rogers told Kent Live he hopes the reincarnated pub will open its doors in mid-May, just before the bank holiday weekend.

He said: “It will be similar in the way it operates to what we do at our other pubs, all of which are, I hope, good quality free houses.

Serving food.

“We want to keep all the building’s interesting details, while also putting something back in that makes it an attractive, comfortable, safe and accessible place for all kinds of people to enjoy.

“As well as being a good place to come for a drink, we will also serve great food too.”

And Mr Rogers is hoping to rename the pub the "Earl of Radnor," in a bid to reflect the area’s “rich heritage”.

“It’s very exciting for us,” he added.

“It’s a privilege really to come into a community and create something nice for the people of Folkestone.