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What else do you do on boxing day, than go and check out abandoned buildings?

Me and Joe cycled past this former Chinese restaurant in our home village; Quorn, Leicestershire. The building is being knocked down to make way for a super market.

We had a quick scout round and discovered a hatch to the basement had been opened. I had my camera gear with me, so we had a little explore before it goes forever.

1597

The Hurst, Loughborough Road

Today (2012), The Hurst is 23 Loughborough Road, the Royal Chequers Chinese restaurant. It was once home to the Wright family who started their elastic webbing factory in the village in 1860. At the time this photograph was taken (1965), the property was a hotel and restaurant.
To the right is The Hurst garage. Note the Victorian coach standing on the forecourt.

Source: http://www.quornmuseum.com/display.php?id=1597

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From the outside, the place looks pretty well boarded up. We didn’t think getting in would be possible..

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We discovered a small metal panel that had been removed, possibly by people looking for copper and any other valuable items.

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Once in the basement it was easy to get access to the restaurant and the accommodation above.

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I had been to this restaurant a few times when it was open to the public. It was strange to see it in this state..

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Reading material..

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It doesn’t take long for decay to start kicking..

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