Fire Tears Through 198-Year-Old Welsh Tavern Near Dartford! A huge blaze ripped through the derelict Welsh Tavern on London Road, Stone, on Wednesday evening, sparking a major emergency response.
Inferno Destroys Historic Pub
The fire broke out at around 6:48pm on June 11, sending thick plumes of smoke soaring into the sky. Kent Fire and Rescue battled the ferocious flames for hours before finally gaining control at 10:30pm. By morning, the once grand 1827-built building was left gutted—its roof completely collapsed, windows shattered, and walls blackened by fire and smoke.
The scene remains taped off as emergency teams keep a close watch on the devastated site.
Police Probe Blaze as Suspicious
Kent Police confirmed the fire is being treated as suspicious. Officers have launched a full investigation into the cause.
“Kent Police was called at 6.48pm on 11 June to a fire at a derelict building in London Road, Stone,” a spokesperson said. “The cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious and an investigation is underway.”
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Road Closures Cause Hassle
London Road was shut between Hillhouse Road and Cotton Lane for several hours while firefighters tackled the blaze. The road has now reopened, but the disruption caused headaches for local commuters.
Welsh Tavern: A Lost Piece of History
- Dating back to 1827, the Welsh Tavern served the Stone community for nearly two centuries.
- The pub closed in 2022, with plans to demolish and replace it with flats.
- Those redevelopment plans were eventually withdrawn, leaving the building derelict.
The tavern’s fiery destruction is set to reignite fierce debates about heritage preservation versus redevelopment in the Dartford area.
Witnesses Asked to Speak Up
Kent Police urge anyone with information to get in touch immediately.
Call: 01474 366149
Quote reference: 46/98399/25
Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
