News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Britain's biggest Wetherspoons opened its doors today after a building which has been derelict for nearly a decade was transformed.

A few hours in and the pub was already heaving, with huge queues at the bar where you can get a pint for just £2.25.

There was even a brief glitch as the power cut for a few minutes according to reports, but customers were not deterred and cheered as the lights quickly came back on.

After almost 10 years of being unused, the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate, Kent, has been given a new lease of life as the chain's biggest restaurant yet.

The pub chain has spent £4.5 million on renovating the old Victoria pavilion building, Kent Live reports.

(Image: PA) (Image: ISOIMAGES) (Image: ISOIMAGES) (Image: ISOIMAGES)

The Edwardian site is made up of two floors, two bars, a ground floor rear beer garden as well as a first floor roof terrace.

At 16,500 square ft, the building is set to serve more than 1,000 people at any one time.

The Royal Victoria Pavillion has 551 tables and a 6,500 square foot sun terrace.

According to The Sun , it is the biggest pub in Europe and overlooks the sea, creating 150 local jobs as it was transformed.

(Image: PA) (Image: PA) (Image: ISOIMAGES) (Image: ISOIMAGES)

The building first opened in 1904 as a concert hall and assembly rooms, before it closed in 2008 and has been empty since.

But the Grade II listed building has been carefully restored, working to photographs and designs, keeping as close as possible to the original concept.

(Image: KDPA Architechts) (Image: Popperfoto) (Image: Daily Herald)

Original features include the grand staircase and the reinstatement of the pavilion's classic dormer oriel (circular) windows.

The cheapest pint on offer is a bud light at just £2.25, with a Carlsberg at £2.75 and pizzas from £4.99.

Another bargain dish to look out for is the large English breakfast for £5.25, and a gourmet burger meal with an alcoholic drink for £8.99.