The first pub at the Ebbsfleet Garden City has finally opened its doors to punters after a seven month construction.

The Spring River opened after a £3million investment and has provided 45 jobs to employees, the majority of which are local.

Joseph McDiarmid, manager of the pub, said: “We have had a fantastic response since opening, the interest in the site has already been overwhelming and it is so great to have that kind of positive response from locals already. I can’t wait to see what the future holds here.”

Marston's Inns and Taverns will also open a 104 bed lodge next to pub early next year.

The new boozer has a carvery station and features a cask ale on the bar which will change every month.

The standard ales are Hobgoblin Ruby, Pedigree, which will all be served along with the rotating guest ale.

A new primary school, the Cherry Orchard, and a new sixth form at the Ebbsfleet Academy also opened last week.

Paul Spooner, interim chief executive of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, said: “The first new school and pub and restaurant mark a milestone for Ebbsfleet Garden City in what has been an incredible year for the area with more than 600 new homes started.

"There are multiple house builders on site reporting extremely strong sales and now we are seeing facilities like the school open, the Garden City is firmly establishing itself as the number one area to live and work.”

Plans were recently announced for a further 250 homes and a village centre at the Garden City.