Oldest pub in Aylesford remains closed following fire

Kent Fire and Rescue services were called to the Chequers Inn, Aylesford, Kent, just before 4am on Sunday with fire crews tackling the blaze, which required eight fire engines and a height vehicle, until past 8am.

The pub remained closed the following day and has since posted an update to its social media stating it will remain closed for the “short to medium term”.

Safety of staff and customers 

In a Facebook post on Monday 23 May the Chequers said: “We’d firstly like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has messaged, commented, and sent their best wishes and to all of our amazing friends who rallied around to help us in the early hours of yesterday morning and continue to help us in the days after.

“After much deliberation this morning, we have decided that for the safety of our staff and customers, the Chequers will remain closed for the short to medium term.”

People living nearby were asked to close windows and doors after the fire broke out until around 7:30am, due to the large amount of smoke produced by the first-floor blaze.

There have been no reported injuries following the fire, though the pub has suffered significant fire and smoke damage, according to Kent Fire and Rescue.

Continued support 

According to the pub’s Facebook page, locals had spent much of Monday helping to cover the roof of the building despite the wind and rain.

Currently, the cause of the fire is unknown, however Kent Fire and Rescue services has confirmed an investigation is to take place to determine the source.

The pub's Facebook post continued: “Thank you very much for your continued support and rest assured we will be back better than ever!”