Yet another backstreet pub has fallen victim to the cost of living crisis

The Carpenters Arms, in Rochester, has called last orders after serving pints to locals for about 168 years.

The traditional hostelry in Cossack Street has been repossessed by bailiffs and furniture and fittings are being cleared.

The owner, Will, who described himself as an investor, was hopeful that a new tenant might keep it as a pub.

He said: “We have had quite a lot of interest. We need to get matters sorted out and then we can start marketing.

“It’s a large building and comes with a four-bedroom flat.

“It’s very much a locals’ pub.”

Notices placed outside state that Mid Kent Bailiff Service repossessed the premises on Monday, July 24.

It warned that if anyone attempted to enter the property without permission they could expect to be prosecuted.

Another noted that if anyone needed to collect anything from inside they should notify the landlord within 14 days, which expired on Monday this week.

The Carpenters Arms is one of a string of pubs to have shut in recent years in the area around Delce Road, known locally as The Delce.

In 2020, the Good Intent in John Street was demolished to make way for housing.

Popular with live music fans and Morris dancers, its demise was met with a wave of protests.

Having lost their battle to save it from the bulldozers, punters installed a plaque on-site reading: “Here Stood The Good Intent Public House – 1858-2020.”

In Cecil Road, the Prince of Wales had its licence revoked after a violent attack took place during an after-hours session.

Others to close nearby include the What The Dick Inns in Ross Street and The Greyhound in Rochester Avenue.