An urban explorer was left shocked by a bizarre discovery after he decided to visit an eerie pub that had been left abandoned for nearly 20 years
An urban explorer was left gobsmacked after stumbling upon a spooky discovery in a Kent pub that had been abandoned for nearly two decades.
Sean Piper ventured into The Harrow, a once bustling local that closed its doors in 2006 and subsequently went into administration.
Inside, he found the decaying remnants of what was once a thriving hub of hospitality, now surrendered to the mercy of the elements.
Sean, who has visited the site on multiple occasions, discovered extensive mould and decay throughout the building.
He also found issues with dampness and a conservatory riddled with holes in the roof, allowing the harsh British weather to infiltrate the deserted pub.
He revealed: “I’ve visited the site a few times as it’s local to me. The decay gets worse every time. It’s a special feeling finding something just by driving past like you’ve discovered the hidden past.
“The first thing that hit me as I walked through the conservatory door was the smell. The damp and mould was severe.”
One peculiar observation about The Harrow, Sean noted, was that it seemed as though patrons were anticipating a return when it shut down, with menus still displayed and even an unfinished pint left on the counter.
Moreover, the bar remained relatively well-stocked with bottles of alcohol scattered around, none of which have fared well under the relentless onslaught of nature over nearly 20 years.
Sean added: “It was like the business shut overnight and people were expecting to return.”
Sean’s ongoing investigation of the deserted boozer emerges as figures expose exactly how many pubs continue to close their doors permanently throughout the UK.
These cornerstones of social life and community spirit face such crippling operational expenses that proprietors are regrettably compelled to cease trading against their wishes.
Data from the British Beer and Pub Association indicates the Labour administration must move swiftly to preserve this cherished British tradition, with statistics showing as many as eight establishments shuttering weekly.
In conversation with the Independent, British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin urged the Labour government to take action.
She said: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking and there is a direct link between pubs closing for good and the huge jump in costs they have just endured.
“Pubs and brewers are important employers, drivers of economic growth, but are also really valuable to local communities across the country and have real social value.
“This is a really sad pattern, and unfortunately a lot of these pubs never come back. The Government needs to act at the budget, with major reforms to business rates and beer duty.”