The Dirty Habit pub, a 1,000-year-old historic house in Hollingbourne, about 40 miles southeast of London, caught fire on Sunday night, the BBC reported.
The fire broke out around 8:20pm on the first floor of the building, which would have been a stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. Residents of nearby buildings were evacuated and no one was injured, Kent Fire Department told the British broadcaster.
According to a statement from Dirty Hobbit staff, employees and customers were on site when the fire broke out, but they were also uninjured. However, the property suffered “extensive damage”.
Glenda Dennett, who lives across the street from the pub, told local news site Kent Online that “the flames were very high and starting to spread”. “I saw through the lower window the fire spreading into the main hall. The fire burst out the back and got very high. It was very ugly. People came out in tears and couldn’t come back.”
“The pub is closed and will remain so until repairs are carried out. Re-opening dates will be announced as they get closer, and any news will be posted on our website and social media channels,” The Dirty Hobbit team announced.
“We would like to thank Kent Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt response and thank everyone who sent us their rescue wishes – we appreciate your kind words.”
However, the fire is still not fully extinguished. Local firefighters Three of the 12 trucks sent to the pub on Sunday are still said to be operating at the site., this Tuesday (11) is trying to clear the last of the explosions and working “to protect the building as much as possible”. Motorists should avoid rural areas.
Built in the 11th century, according to the elite pubs chain (which runs it), The Dirty habit There will be one pubs Oldest in Kent County.
According to site The Drinks Specializing in business, the site went by other names such as “The King’s Head” and “Pilgrim’s Rest” and would have been a favorite stop for King James II, who held the British crown between 1685 and 1688.