Four historic village pubs across east Kent have been listed for sale in just seven days.

The sale of the establishments, in Dover, Monkton, Bridge and Brook, near Ashford, has been described as a “great shame”, with high inflation rates blamed.

David Foley, chief executive of the East Kent Chambers of Commerce, described village pubs as “integral to village life.”

He went on: “Inflation is particularly high at the moment, and people are going to find their mortgages are much higher and they have less disposable income. Pubs are the most important part of the uk economy – they attract tourists and are and integral part of village life.

He added that high tax put on pints served in a boozer rather then a supermarket was harming the industry.

Kent Online has taken a closer looks at the four establishments on the market. All are at least 180-years-old and two boast a selection of hotel rooms.

The Lydden Bell, in Lydden

This substantial Inn near Dover is Grade II-Listed and is 283-years-old. The listing states it has recently been refurbished.

It’s on the market for £1.2 million, and the next landlord will have five bedrooms to let alongside the bar and 65-cover restaurant. The pub overlooks a pond and has a large garden with “stunning views over the valley”.

Estate agent Christie and Co, which is advertising all the public houses, said: “This property is a Grade II Listed former coaching inn with painted elevations.The business has been owned and run by our clients for many years.The sale creates an ideal opportunity for investment or owner occupier.”

The Secret Driker visited in 2019, and enjoyed himself, adding it to his ‘must visit again list’.

The White Stag, Monkton

This business near Ramsgate is in a “tranquil village” and has 10 rooms.

Dating back to 1841, it is a family bed and breakfast which has been with the current owners for “many years”. For £1.5 million, a new buyer will be able to enjoy a large rooftop sun terrace, a carvery serving station and a newly renovated restaurant seating 40 guests.

The pub has a colourful history - in the early 2000s, celebrity baker Paul Hollywood was pictured dressed in Nazi uniform leading to a scandal 14 years later.

The Plough and Harrow, Bridge

This drinking hole near Canterbury is owned by Shepherd Neame and it is not currently pulling pints.

It is up for £325,000 and estate agents suggest the “pub would be best run by an independent operator to take full advantage of its location.”

with the possibility of extending the drinks selection and introducing food.”

The listing continues: “The property dates to the 1830’s and is Grade II listed. It once had its own brewery and remains every inch a traditional Kentish pub.”

The Honest Miller, Brook

Found in the tiny village of Brook near Ashford, The Honest Miller has fallen into a sorry state with letters missing from its name.

First opening in 1793, the tavern has been closed since February 2020.

It went on the market in 2020 before being bought by the Churchill Property Group to the delight of local residents.

However it remains boarded up and empty, and is now being sold for an undisclosed price.

Christie and Co’s advert says: “Experience will be essential for the incoming tenant with a strong record of food offering, together with a willingness to create a new destination food business and Inn.”

The pub is listed as an asset of community value, and is set back from the road by a quaint stream.

KentOnline contacted The Lydden Bell and The White Stag for comment.