A PUB known for “more spirits than the ones behind the bar” has been granted Grade II listed status by Heritage England.

The White Hart, in Kings Walk, Grays, was selected as one of 20 inter-war pubs across England to win the coveted status from an original list of 200.

The pub, which is used by councillors and other political figures and is a five-times Campaign for Real Ale winning establishment, was chosen as a “well-preserved example of an improved public house of the inter-war period”.

The pub, built in 1938, boasts a classic inter-war exterior, and inside original oak panelling and an “exceptional”

nine-metre, two-room real oak bar.

Leaseholder Christopher Ryley, 57, who runs the pub with his wife Benice, said: “I was surprised and quite chuffed when I heard two weeks ago.

“I’ve had all sorts of people come up to me – even in Cardiff – to congratulate me.

“Punters always notice how long the bar is because often the girls sit at the other end – and they say, ‘don’t you get knackered going up and down?’”

Along with its stunning oak bar, which Chris says doesn’t have a single nail added to the original, the pub is also known for its ghosts.

Mr Ryley, who has previously run two other Grays pubs, described the late-night activity as “like nothing I have ever seen before–but friendly”.

Experts from Thurrock Paranormal have visited twice, and Mr Ryley says he has CCTV footage on record of “circling orbs”.

He said: “Staff have noticed a blonde lady walking up the stairs and an old geezer sitting in the corner – who likes to wind up the female bar staff.

“But one of the things that really raises the hairs on people’s arms is when you stand at the end of one room, long after closing time, and hear the click-click-click of balls on the pool table in the other room.

“Of course, when you go to look, the pub is empty.

“I wouldn’t say it’s haunted, but we certainly have more spirits on offer than what’s behind the back bar!”