Huge blaze destroys one of Kent’s oldest pubs: Flames rip through 11th century Dirty Habit as residents are evacuated from nearby homes

• The 11th century Dirty Habit pub in Hollingbourne was destroyed after a fire broke around 8.23pm on Sunday
• Crews battled the inferno overnight – with 12 engines on site at its peak – are remain on scene this morning
• No injuries were reported, but roads surrounding the pub will remain closed off for several hours
• The Dirty Habit is one of two Kent pubs destroyed in overnight fires; the blazes are not apparently connected 

A huge blaze has destroyed one of the oldest pubs in Kent and forced community members to evacuate their homes.

Flames ripped through the 11th century Dirty Habit pub in Hollingbourne overnight and crews are still working the scene this morning.

Photographs show the beloved pub, once used as an inn by monks on their way to Canterbury, now in ruins after the inferno raged through the building.

No injuries were reported, but roads surrounding the pub will remain closed off for several hours while officials investigate. It is unclear at this time what caused the fire to ignite.

Meantime, residents previously excited for the Dirty Habit’s upcoming winter menu, which was unveiled just hours before the fire, say they are ‘so sad to see such a piece of history destroyed.’

Flames ripped through the 11th century Dirty Habit pub in Hollingbourne overnight, seemingly destroying the historic eatery

Photographs show the beloved pub, once used as an inn by monks on their way to Canterbury, now in ruins after the inferno raged through the building

Firefighters worked through the night after a blaze broke out at The Dirty Habit pub in Upper Street around 8.23pm on Sunday.

Residents at nearby properties were ordered to evacuate. It is unclear if any neighbouring properties suffered damage from the fire, however officials note no one was injured.

At the height of the blaze, 12 fire crews working the scene. Six fire engines, a height vehicle, bulk water carrier and other support teams remain on scene this morning.

Officials have closed off nearby roads as they work the scene. Locals are asked to avoid Upper Street, Pilgrims Way and Hollingbourne Hill. Fire crews expect the road closures to last several hours.

Firefighters worked through the night after a blaze broke out at The Dirty Habit pub in Upper Street around 8.23pm on Sunday

Residents at nearby properties were ordered to evacuate. It is unclear if any neighbouring properties suffered damage from the fire, however officials note no one was injured

At the height of the blaze, 12 fire crews working the scene. Six fire engines, a height vehicle, bulk water carrier and other support teams remain on scene this morning. Pictured: Aerial photo of the pub as seen on Monday morning

The Dirty Habit dates back to the 11th century, with parts of the historic building being nearly 1,000 years old. The pub is pictured before and after the blaze

The Dirty Habit dates back to the 11th century, with parts of the historic building being nearly 1,000 years old.

The pub was seemingly by locals who now say they are devastated that the historic eatery is gone.

‘Always been one of my favourite places, so sad to read this,’ community member Gillian Smith told Kent Online.

‘That’s the pub we went to the night Graham Birch asked me to marry him! So sad to see such a piece of history destroyed!’ echoed Lisa Margaret Birch.

Locals say they are devastated by the loss of the pub

Claire, taking to Twitter, added: ‘So sad. This is an 11th Century pub in my home town. Right on the Pilgrim’s Way and of great historical significance…Another fabulous business in trouble.’

Another social media user, Mike, sad the Dirty Habit was one of his ‘favourite restaurants’ and that he is ‘particularly sad as it dated back to the 11th Century and was used by Canterbury Pilgrims.’

‘Hopefully it will be rebuilt,’ he urged.

Twitter user Henry added: ‘Learning the Dirty Habit burnt down last night has ruined my day.’

Another person said it was a ‘shame’ that the pub was gone. 

Also last night, a fire caused extensive damage to the Chilton Tavern pub in Ramsgate. 

Despite both infernos taking place in Kent on Sunday night, authorities have not indicated any connection between the two incidents.

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