An urban explorer was amazed by a chilling find in an abandoned pub in Kent that had been closed for nearly twenty years. Sean Piper explored The Harrow, a former local hotspot that shut down in 2006 and fell into disrepair.
Upon entering, he encountered the decaying remnants of a once vibrant hospitality hub, now left to deteriorate due to neglect. Sean, a frequent visitor to the site, observed extensive mold and decay spreading throughout the building, along with dampness issues and a conservatory with a damaged roof letting in the harsh British weather.
Describing his experiences, Sean mentioned the worsening decay with each visit, expressing the thrill of discovering the hidden history while being struck by the strong smell of dampness and mold upon entering the conservatory.
Notably, Sean pointed out that it appeared as though patrons of The Harrow expected to return even after its closure, with menus still on display and an unfinished pint left on the counter. The bar also remained stocked with bottles of alcohol, though time and nature had taken their toll on the contents over the years.
Sean’s ongoing exploration of the deserted pub coincides with reports of numerous pubs permanently closing across the UK due to financial challenges. The British Beer and Pub Association has called for swift government intervention to protect this cherished British tradition, citing a concerning rate of eight closures per week.
In an interview with the Independent, Emma McClarkin, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, emphasized the need for urgent action from the government to support struggling pubs and breweries facing escalating operational costs. She highlighted the importance of these establishments as employers and community assets, urging reforms to business rates and beer duty to prevent further closures and preserve the social value they provide.
