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Farnborough Road, FARNBOROUGH, GU14 7JT

Former pub which closed in 2008, its openings now sealed with metal shutters. It has historic pedigree - an inn has been on the site since C16th, and the name goes back to the early C18th. Despite the present building dating at least in parts from the early C19th it is not listed, and only local opposition persuaded McDonald's, which bought the site in 2012, not to demolish it.

When I first saw this hotel I thought the name must have been one of those half-baked efforts at re-branding of the Slug and Lettuce variety, but no, this apparently has always been its name and the 1874 Ordnance Survey map proves it by showing it as "Tumbledown Dick (PH)". A walks guide describes it as possibly being built in the reign of King Henry VIII. It has two storeys, red brick walls, a slate roof and is partly tile hung. A story goes that it could have been named after the downfall of King Richard III or the downfall of Cromwell's Commonwealth which he had left in the hands of his son Richard Cromwell. There was also a turnpike toll gate across the road, although there is no longer any record of it here." Whatever, despite the white sign under the eaves stating that rooms are available, the place is boarded up and its fate uncertain. Judging by various postings on the internet it was up until recently a gig location for the goth scene. The dual carriageway in front of the building is the A325 Farnborough Road.

A former local landmark and coaching inn has recently been converted into a fast food outlet. Plenty of opposition at the time.

These shops were, not surprisingly, against the former pub opposite being turned into a fast food outlet.

On the busy Farnborough Road.