Home   Canterbury   News   Article

Firefighters called to The Shipwright's Arms in Hollowshore, Oare, near Faversham after chimney fire

A fire broke out in a Faversham pub earlier today, causing yet another disaster for owners who are still struggling to deal with the aftermath of December’s floods.

Firefighters tackled a blaze at the Shipwright’s Arms for more than an hour this morning after a chimney caught alight, filling the pub with smoke.

A fire engine on a call-out. Stock picture
A fire engine on a call-out. Stock picture

The pub in Hollowshore has been closed since the worst flooding in 60 years hit Faversham’s coastline in December and swamped the pub, trashing their belongings and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Today, Landlord Derek Coles and his wife Ruth were hit with yet more bad luck when they noticed smoke billowing through the bar.

stock image.
stock image.

Derek said: “We have been burning the fire a lot more recently to dry out the place after the floods, but we had our chimney swept not that long ago, so we didn’t expect this.

“We were fixing up things down here, as we are every day at the moment, and suddenly we noticed smoke filling the room.

“It is just one thing after another for us at the moment."

Landlord Derek Coles with his wife Ruth at The Shipwrights Arms
Landlord Derek Coles with his wife Ruth at The Shipwrights Arms

The couple had just finished decorating the pub, after floods devastated the walls, floors and kitchen equipment late last year.

“We were just getting ready and starting to feel positive again. We’ve done all this decoration, and then this happens.

“It makes me wonder what we’ve done wrong. It seems never-ending.

“We are hoping to still reopen on January 18 but with our luck, we will probably get another disaster.”

The pub has been closed since early December after floods destroyed parts of the building
The pub has been closed since early December after floods destroyed parts of the building

Derek and Ruth will update their website when the pub fully reopens.


Stories you might have missed

Probe shelved after huge blaze tears through flats in arson attack

'I woke up and realised it wasn't a dream'

Family's heartbreak as 11 puppies stolen

Three in hospital after crash closes A2


Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More