M ARGATE'S oldest pub is to get a makeover to restore it to its nautical glory.

The Northern Belle will soon house an antique ship's bell embedded in the bar, new seats, stalls and toilets. Its trademark timber floors and beams will be preserved and polished.

Outside the bar there will be a new sign trimmed with old ship's rope and an alfresco bench for smokers.

The tavern will also hang some artwork featuring Margate of yesteryear and maybe even some of the Northern Belle ship herself.

The pub, built in 1680 as the Waterman's Arms, was renamed after an American transatlantic ship that ran aground in 1857.

No lives on the ship were lost, thanks to an heroic rescue in blizzard conditions, but Margate lugger Victory sank at the scene and lost its crew of nine men.

Another claim to fame for the tavern is its resident ghost. The spirit is described as a white-veiled woman who has been seen often over the centuries drifting through the cellars and bar.

The pub is a quintessential Margate landmark and landlord Dave Davies hopes that the new look will cement its place as a town treasure and a must-see for visitors.

He said: "When it's all done, I want to put the pub firmly on the map. Not many places can claim to have had the great JMW Turner as one of their regulars. It is great to see Turner's art back in Margate and I hope we can attract some art lovers across to enjoy an ale as the great man once did."

Owners Shepherd Neame will soon start a full refurb of the historic watering hole and hope the new look tavern will be ready before Easter.

It is part of Shep's programme of pub facelifts including the recent refit of The Horse and Groom in Ramsgate.