Neighbours of a pub that has been devastated by a fire have described the moment the historic building went up in flames.

Glenda Dennett, who has lived opposite the Dirty Habit, in Upper Street, Hollingbourne, for more than 50 years, said people were in tears when homes were evacuated as the blaze took hold of the pub last night.

“I was watching Strictly when my grandson came running in from playing his PlayStation and said the Dirty Habit is on fire.

“We went out and the flames were terrible.

"They were so high and began spreading across the pub.

“I saw through the bottom window the fire was spreading in the main dining area.

“The flames just shot up through the back and became so high. It was so bad.

"People were in tears getting evacuated and haven’t been able to go back to their homes yet."

Glenda said smoke billowing from the blaze at the 11th century pub meant they could barely see what was happening.

She added: "It was lucky it didn’t spread to the Tudor house next door as that’s less than a metre away from the pub.

“I’ve been here since 1964 and never seen anything like this."

She also praised the fire service for doing "an amazing job". "They were incredible,” she added.

An Elite Pubs spokesman said: "The Elite Pubs family is truly devastated by the events that occurred at The Dirty Habit, Hollingbourne yesterday.

"Shortly after 8pm, a fire broke out at our 11th-century pub and emergency services were called. All staff and customers were evacuated swiftly and accounted for.

"Unfortunately, there has been significant damage to the pub.

"Each and every one of our pubs is extremely special to us, but the history of this one holds a very special place.

"The pub has been closed and will remain so until repairs have been made. Dates for re-opening will be released closer to the time and any updates will be posted on our website and social media channels.

"We’d like to thank the fire service for their immediate response and to all who have sent well wishes – we truly appreciate your kind words.

"In true Elite fashion, we’ll pick ourselves up from this and return stronger than ever before and the pub will be restored to its former glory.

"We ask all of our customers to remain patient as we come to terms with the event and re-arrange bookings."

'It’s such an iconic pub. I’ve lived here for 50 years and my whole family worked in there. It’s tragic...'

University lecturer John Wills, who lives a couple of homes down from the pub, said: “We heard people screaming and shouting just before 9pm but thought it was just some drunk people.

“They were spraying foam over the homes nearby to make sure they didn’t go up. They did an amazing job.

“We could see it from the garden and there was cracking. It sounded like popcorn was going off.

“All of a sudden it went up like a rocket launch and the fire was just rising.”

One staff member, who did not want to be named, said: “I live here and we had to rush out.

"I left my phone and everything inside and we haven’t been able to get through.

“It’s absolutely horrible.”

Another villager who was watching on from the police cordon said: “It’s such an iconic pub. I’ve lived here for 50 years and my whole family worked in there. It’s tragic.”

Crews remain at the scene to dampen down remaining hotspots and have told people to expect the road to be closed until around midday tomorrow.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

'The fire has essentially been stopped but we need to ensure all the hotspots have been fully extinguished...'

Incident Commander Alan Standing said: "At the height of the fire we had 12 fire engines here, two water carriers, and a turntable ladder which was still being used this morning.

"Firefighters last night were faced with a developing fire and buildings next to the building which they needed to protect.

"One of the key tools technical rescue have is the drone they have to fly up into the air and provide us with an aerial view and thermal images to get really good situational awareness of what is happening without putting our firefighters at risk.

"Now, the fire has essentially been stopped but we need to ensure all the hotspots in the area and building have been fully extinguished, which is challenging as it has collapsed in areas.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Six fire engines, a height vehicle, bulk water carrier, technical rescue team, command support unit, and KFRS’ volunteer response team remain in attendance this morning."

Earlier this year, the Chequers Inn pub in Aylesford was also damaged after an early morning fire. Work is ongoing to to repair the High Street pub.

For any booking enquiries please email eventstribe@elitepubs.com and for press please contact press@elitepubs.com