The Abbot’s Fireside, a historic pub near Canterbury, Elham, has closed its doors after 570 years due to financial struggles.
The owners said it was not an easy choice and that they are very sad about closing it. Many pubs face money problems today, which made running the pub hard for them. They appreciate all the support they got.
Locals are upset about the pub closing. Someone said Fridays will not be the same, and another person wished them well. The pub is over 570 years old and is one of the oldest pubs in Kent.
In 1451, they built the pub as an inn. It was once called the Smithie’s Arms. It still has old things from the 1500s. A big old fireplace is still there.
Richard Hayes had “The Smithers Arms” painted. People say King Charles II hid there once; he hid from his enemies in the fireplace. Some say a tunnel goes to the church and also to the rich house nearby.
The Duke of Wellington stayed there too and stayed before the big Waterloo battle in 1815. It became four small houses in 1671. Then in 1939, it opened as a pub again.
Soldiers visited before going to D-Day. The pub has changed owners often. It almost sold in 2019. A rich man spent money on fixing it up, hoping people would return after lockdowns.