800-YEAR-OLD UK PUB FOR SALE FOR A SONG

The once-thriving now lamented Mill Beach pub in Essex, UK, has been mysteriously put to market by its mystery owner for a token £1.

The building found on the shores of the man-made lake on what used to be known as Barrow Farm was built in the 12^th century.

For centuries the Mill Beach Pub has served as a licensed public house, offering refreshments to vacationers to the area, which today includes a popular caravan park and chalet. The building also counts four bedrooms, extensive gardens and parking for more than 50 vehicles.  

Last November residents report it quietly closed, without fanfare or explanation.

And in April of this year it was mysteriously boarded up, following some petty break-ins, leaving distraught locals ruing its loss and pondering its future.

This week it was listed for what is believed to be currently the lowest price for a pub in the UK, the Rightmove ad spruiking 2,382 square feet of bar admittedly in need of “full refurbishment”.

Local rag the Maldon & Burnham Standard reports the “current owner of the pub is unknown”, but Heybridge resident Lyz Barnard, who hosted events at the Mill for years, told the paper she is one of many praying for its return.

“I just hope that whoever takes it on will be able to restore it to what it once was.

“Many people in the area remember spending their childhoods there; it was so popular for hosting live music, its cockle sheds and it was central to the community.”