Fears for the future of much-loved pubs

For the vast majority of us, the unique and troubling times associated with the Covid-19 pandemic has left much uncertainty throughout the business world including the hospitality sector which includes pubs, restaurants and hotels.

With this sector being closed for such a prolonged period, it is largely unknown whether businesses in this category will indeed survive in the absence of regular income and profit.

The situation has provoked much anxiety among workers of all industries, with many unsure of what the future holds.

With such unprecedented times wrecking havoc, many people up and down the country are still longing for their favourite watering hole to reopen.

The industry is not only a source of employment but it is an essential lifeline and social link for all of us in one way or another, and we can all speak of the many pleasant and happy times spent in these venues.

One would hope that, going forward, this ghastly situation will offer some reprieve the allow trade to recommence once more.

The pub trade, for instance, has changed beyond recognition over the decades and many will remember the long-lost locals that didn’t survive into the future, and disappeared into the past.

Ashford was one of many towns and cities that thinned out its licensed trade locations in the name of progress back in the 1960s and 70s.

In continuation of last week, we again look back at some of Ashford’s much-missed sources of socialising.

Many thanks again to Edwin Bartlett for these pictures.

■ Do you have any photographs or slides of old Ashford you would be willing to loan me, to enable them to be scanned for possible feature in the Kentish Express?

Please don’t delay, get in touch!

Email me: rememberwhen_ kmash@hotmail.co.uk