The site of the one-time China House and before that, Lime Kiln pub, in Aqueduct Street, has been empty since 2014 after being described as a ‘death trap’ by a health and safety inspector.
It is being knocked down to make way for a new development. Our photographer Neil Cross was on hand with contractor Pete Marquis as the bulldozers moved in.
9. Demolition
The pub suffered a previous explosion back in 1875 when a policeman witnessed a loud bang and saw smoke coming out of the pub's windows. It transpired a customer had thrown gunpowder on to an open fire. Photo: Neil Cross
10. Demolition
As the Lime Kiln pub it was originally a Matthew Brown alehouse, but was eventually taken over by Banks's Brewery. Photo: Neil Cross
11. Demolition
The former pub and restaurant is being demolished by Pete Marquis. Photo: Neil Cross
12. Demolition
This was the scene in Aqueduct Street on Tuesday Photo: Neil Cross