Tickets at the cheapest chain cinema in Kent have been hiked 60% following a "complete refurbishment".

The Vue at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs has been equipped with leather recliner seats - fitted with trays and cup holders - as part of its latest facelift.

But bosses have confirmed they have decided to raise prices following the work, arguing the increase "reflects the enhanced luxurious offering we are introducing to our customers".

Despite this, filmgoers have taken to social media to blast the decision.

One punter commented: “Who needs those chairs?

"It's totally unnecessary.”

Another added: “How can they justify that £3.00 rise?

"They will lose our custom.”

A ticket bought in advance from the website now comes to £7.99, as opposed to the £4.99 it used to cost.

Meanwhile, those paying for a seat on the door will now be set back £8.99.

KentOnline revealed three years ago that the multiplex's peak and off-peak tickets were cheaper than the price of admission at the county Odeon, Cineworld, Picturehouse and Curzon movie houses.

Vue bosses say the new "luxury" chairs - dubbed "the recliner" - have "soft leather" and "recline all the way back".

And other cinema-goers were supportive of the changes, expressing their delight at the new facilities.

“I love the new recliners," a customer said.

"I’d rather pay more to be comfortable and have some personal space.”

The makeover also included the fitting of new flooring, lighting, carpets, acoustic wall treatments and screens across its 10 auditoriums.

Each of the screens are now equipped with Sony 4k digital projection and Dolby surround-sound systems.

The cinema's general manager, Andrew Mullem, says the work has "refreshed" the 1,644-seat site.

He claims the upgraded site will offer cineastes "the perfect venue to enjoy the latest releases in ultimate luxury".

And when asked about the price hike, a Vue spokesman told KentOnline: "We are proud to bring a significantly upgraded big-screen experience to film fans in Thanet with our refurbishment and the introduction of the luxury recliner seating.

“The price increase reflects the enhanced luxurious offering we are introducing to our customers."