Two well-known pubs set to close within weeks have been put up for sale, raising hopes they could reopen under new owners.
Whitbread, which owns the Beefeater and Premier Inn brands, is seeking buyers for the Sir Thomas Wyatt and the Malta Inn, both in Allington, Maidstone.
The Malta Inn Beefeater sits on the banks of the River Medway beside Allington Lock. Picture: Dee Lukasik
Both restaurants will close after dinner service on September 10.
The Sir Thomas Wyatt, in London Road, has already appeared on the commercial property market with a guide price of £600,000 plus VAT.
The freehold is being marketed by Christie & Co, which describes it as a restaurant and bar occupying a prominent site.
No public property listing has yet been found for the Malta Inn at Allington Lock, although Whitbread has confirmed it is also being marketed for sale.
Allington councillor Stanley Forecast welcomed confirmation that buyers were being sought, due to fears the properties could eventually be converted into HMOs or become subject to further development.
He said: “Obviously I fully recognise it’s a tough economic climate for businesses at the moment, and it’s very disappointing to lose these pubs in the local community.
The riverside terrace at the Malta Inn, which is due to close as a Beefeater after dinner service on September 10. Picture: Dee Lukasik
“I’ll be doing everything I can to keep residents updated and support businesses in Allington.”
The two Beefeaters are due to close after dinner service on September 10.
The two pubs are familiar landmarks in the area. The Malta Inn occupies a picturesque spot on the banks of the River Medway, overlooking Allington Lock.
Its history as a drinking establishment stretches back at least 175 years.
The pub was established as the Malta beer house in the 19th century, with its first licence granted to John Bartlett in 1851, then continued under a succession of licensees throughout the Victorian era and into the 20th century.
The building customers know today is more modern, but the historic Malta name survived the redevelopment of the site.
The Sir Thomas Wyatt Beefeater in London Road, Allington, which is on the market for £600,000. Picture Dee Lukasik
The Sir Thomas Wyatt is a more modern pub, but its name has a centuries-old connection to Allington.
Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder was born at nearby Allington Castle in 1503 and became a poet, diplomat and courtier during the reign of King Henry VIII.
He is credited as one of the writers who introduced the sonnet into English poetry.
Whitbread announced earlier this year that it would close or sell its remaining branded restaurants as it concentrates on its Premier Inn hotel business.
In total, eight Beefeater venues in Kent are to close, including Eureka Park in Ashford, Woolpack in Hothfield, The Beacon in Dartford, The Plough in Dover, Manor Farm in Gillingham, and The Bull in Swanley.
The 11 Brewers Fayre and Beefeater sites closing across Kent. Picture: KMG
In addition, there are three Brewers Fayre restaurants: Duke of York in Dover, Bobbing Apple near Sittingbourne, and Brookers Oast in Paddock Wood, which have also been affected by the restructure.
The company has blamed growing pressures on the hospitality industry, including employer National Insurance contributions, business rates and other increasing costs.
It previously said it would try to redeploy a significant proportion of employees affected by the restaurant closures.
The Premier Inn hotels adjoining the restaurants will remain open while buyers are sought.