The paranormal pub that claims ‘Gilbert the ghost’ is real

It wasn’t a bad job for the day.

Go to a pub and see if a ghost is in there.

Right up my alley.

But this was no wild-goose-ghost chase.

A few days ago, just in time for Halloween, the Tyler’s Kiln pub in rural Kent uploaded some strange CCTV to its Facebook site.

It shows doors opening, a cushion flying across the room, an outdoor umbrella popping up and stools sliding backwards. All at night.

And all, seemingly, without a human hand touching them.

Now I’m a real sceptic. I don’t believe in ghosts, and well … the timing in this case seemed just a little too convenient.

But out in the village of Tyler’s Hill, a ghost story doesn’t seem strange to the locals.

The pub’s owner, Allister Collins, is adamant the spooky footage isn’t faked or cleverly edited.

He thinks the ghoulish behaviour is Gilbert, the former publican, who apparently was a stickler for tradition and may not like the extensive renovations.

There are apparently other strange happenings aside from the footage.

The cleaner says she’s come into work to see freshly-lit fires in the hearth.

Several tradesmen and staff have heard footsteps going up the stairs when there is no one around.

And apparently prawn crackers sometimes fly across the room!

I tried to re-enact the sliding chairs and opening umbrellas to see if it could be done without a human being caught on camera.

I wasn’t successful, but I still think there would be a way.

So, is Gilbert the ghost real?

Who knows … but now paranormal investigation groups are keen to take a look, and Tyler’s Hill certainly has a tale to tell.

It’s a good story to contemplate over a beer.

The Tyler’s Kiln has ‘Ghost Ship’ on tap.

Perfect.