An iconic period building which has been home to much-loved bars and entertainment venues for several years, is set to be auctioned off this month.

The Odd Fellows Hall in Orange Street, Canterbury has been a prominent feature in the city for almost 150 years and its current tenants insist they will be staying put for the long-term.

Managers at The Ballroom, which occupies an upper floor of the 19th century building, say they will be going nowhere as a result of the sale.

It also used to house cocktail and music bar Bramleys before that business’s demise two years ago.

A stone’s throw away from the Marlowe Theatre and Canterbury Cathedral, it is being sold with a guide price of £450,000 on behalf of the Odd Fellows trustees.

It is understood the group is not struggling for cash or members and is not selling the building for any other reason beyond simply having outgrown it.

Behind its trademark blue and red doors, the property is split into two, with the first floor being occupied in part by The Ballroom - which is seeing its existing 10-year lease come to an end in September 2026.

But bosses have confirmed to KentOnline they plan to stay put and are looking forward to extending their licence when it is due for renewal in 18 months’ time.

A spokesman said: “The Ballroom, like a majority of the bar/music venues within the city, is a leaseholder.

“The sale of the premises does not impact the venue in any way other than we simply have a new landlord.

“We will be renewing our lease when the time arises to do so and continue to operate as we have always done previously.”

Auctioneers Clive Emson have confirmed the venue is being sold with the current lease in place.

The space previously occupied by Bramleys, which was located on the ground floor, remains vacant as does a courtyard and the second floor which has toilets and storage space.

The building was designed by J E Wiltshier and was purpose-built for the Canterbury Lodge of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows for £2,500.

The first brick was laid in 1876 and replaced the old Prince of Orange Tavern, a pub which dated back about 100 years prior to the erection of Odd Fellows Hall.

The Odd Fellows group was founded in 1810 as a social club, offering friendships and help in times of need.

Today, its membership stands at about 344,000 with a national network of 96 lodges.

Bosses at Bramleys closed the venue after 16 years in 2023, citing rising costs, an “unfounded” noise complaint and big developments making it impossible to carry on.

Manager Jack Mayhew said the impact of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis have been difficult to recover from, with a four-year legal battle over a noise complaint dealing the business “a fatal blow”.

He also argued he could not compete with huge chains coming into the city at the council-owned Riverside development.

Bids on the property will close when the auction ends on March 20.