A well-known pub has been boarded-up without explanation.

The White Horse in Cranbrook High Street is now closed.

A passer-by noticed it was shut last week although it has not been confirmed when it officially closed.

“It was big back in the 80s and 90s,” they said.

“You had to order a few drinks for the night because it was such a struggle to get to the front of the bar.”

Pictures now show the building’s groundfloor windows and doors obscured by metal screens.

The White Horse, which has been a pub since at least 1881, was also a bed and breakfast.

It is owned by Admiral Taverns, a company which runs more than 1,600 predominantly wet-led community pubs.

Residents have been speculating about the closure on a Facebook group – with some saying it might be turned into flats.

One person commented: “It is a huge shame that it had to close. So many pubs and hotels are closing down these days.”

Another said: “So terribly sad to see it closing! So many truly wonderful memories in there over the last 30-plus years.

“Back in the 90s it was the best pub for all the family. The darts, the charity events, the parties, the town tournaments and the hospitality!

“It has to remain as a pub, surely?”

In September 2021, council planners granted permission for two homes to be built on its car park.

The decision stunned residents and angered the parish council, which had objected to the scheme.

A spokesman from Admiral Taverns said: "We are currently reviewing all our options for the White Horse in Cranbrook and no final decision has been made.

“It wouldn't be appropriate to comment any further at this stage."