Huge fire at 1,000 year-old Kent pub as residents evacuated and roads closed

Flames and smoke rise into night sky as blaze destroys roof of pub

(UKNIP)

Residents were evacuated as dozens of firefighters tackled a large fire that ripped through a 1,000-year-old pub in Kent.

A fire broke out at the Dirty Habit pub in Holingbourne, near Maidstone at around 8.20pm on Sunday night.

Images and videos shared online showed thick smoke billowing into the night sky and flames tearing through the top floor windows and roof of the building.

Flames tear through top floor windows and roof of pub (UKNIP)

Fire crews remained at the scene on Monday morning, although there were no reports of deaths or injures, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS). said.

People living near the pub were evacuated as firefighters dealt with the blaze.

A spokesperson for KFRS said: "Six fire engines, a height vehicle, bulk water carrier, technical rescue team, command support unit, and KFRS' volunteer response team remain in attendance this morning.

"The surrounding roads are expected to be closed for several hours while the fire service works at the scene.

"Please avoid Upper Street, Pilgrims Way and Hollingbourne Hill."

The pub, on Pilgrims Way, is 1,000 years old and is said to have been used by the pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.

According to its website, the watering hole was an 11th Century monk’s ale and cider house.

The Dirty Habit now describes itself as a “quintessentially English country pub, restaurant and private dining room.”

Fire crews also tackled a blaze at a disused Kent pub overnight on Sunday. The blaze broke out at the Chilton Tavern in Ramsgate at around 9.03pm.

There were no deaths or injuries and the cause of the fire was not known.