ROYAL PIER HOTEL Pub of Herne Bay

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Herne, October, 2024.

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 30 October, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1837

(Name from)

Royal Pier Hotel

Closed 2013-

Parade / 163 Station Road

Herne Bay

https://whatpub.com/pier

Above photo, circa 1900. The building in question is the one on the right.

Above photo, circa 1973, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above card issued April 1955. Sign series 5 number 32.

Above tenancy agreement, date unknown.

The building can be traced back to 1832 and I believed the main building closed in 1875. In 1837 the Duke of Cambridge was the first royal visitor to the town and he took tea at the then "Pier Hotel," after that date the hotel attached the prefix Royal to its name.

From the Kentish Gazette, 7 July 1840.

PLEASURE, ECONOMY, AND COMFORT COMBINED,

The "Herne Bay Pier Hotel," reopened under the most distinguished patronage, viz, the Public. The new arrangements in this Hotel having met with such general approbation, has induced the Proprietor to make it known that his whole time and attention in devoted to the comfort of his guests; that the house is peculiarly adapted for the convenience of Families, and contains spacious Coffee and Commercial Rooms ; and he has adopted a plan by which his Patrons are relieved from the application of servants for remuneration.

N. B. — The nearest and cheapest route to Paris via Dovor. Coaches three times a day.

From the Kentish Gazette, 1 September 1840.

Royal Pier Hotel, Herne Bay.

T. M. Syrymsher begs to return his grateful thanks to the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, for their distinguished patronage and support he has received since he has reopened the above establishment; and he confidently hopes, that by devoting his constant exertions to their comfort and accommodation, he will merit the Honour of a continuance of their favours.

Gentleman making an excursion to this salubrious watering place can by a day's notice to the proprietor, be provided with a dinner, consisting of every delicacy in season.

Table de Hote on Sunday at 2 o'clock, at 2s. 6d. per head.

The nearest and cheapest route to Paris.

Post horses and Carriages, good Stabling and Coach-houses.

From the Kentish Gazette, 24 November 1840.

ROYAL PIER HOTEL ASSEMBLY ROOMS, HERNE BAY.

MR. SKRYMSHER has the honour to announce that his FIRST HALL will take place on THURSDAY, the 3rd of DECEMBER, 1840, under the direction of Six Gentlemen, who have kindly offered their services as Stewards on the occasion.

Tickets of Admission— Ladies 4s 6d., Gentlemen 5s. 6d., Double Tickets. 10s., Supper included.

Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, Saturday 11 December 1841.

To Hotel Keepers and Others.

To let, the "Royal Pier Hotel," at Herne Bay; the coming in is very moderate; or there is no objection to a partner. Or to Let, the Hotel separate from the Livery-yard and Tap.

For further particulars apply to Mr. Skrymsher, on the premises, or to Mr. Cleft, 23, Red Lion Square, London.

From the Kentish Gazette, 1 March 1842.

HERNE HUNT.

THE Friends of the above Hunt have invited Edward Collard, Esquire, as Master of the Hounds, to dine with them at the "Royal Pier Hotel," HERNE BAY, on WEDNESDAY, the 9th of MARCH. Those Gentlemen that are favourable, and wishing to attend, are requested to take Tickets at the bar of the "Royal Pier Hotel," on or before MONDAY, the 7th of March.

Dinner on table punctually at Four o’clock.

Hounds meet at the Kennel at half-past Ten o’clock on Wednesday, the 9th.

From the Kentish Gazette, 11 July 1843.

THE FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE HERNE BAY ROAD.

THE INQUEST.

An inquest was held on the body of Miss. Moore, the unfortunate female who was killed by the overturning of Weeks's van, as stated in our last, at the "Royal Pier Hotel," Herne Bay, on Tuesday, before T. T. DeLasaux, Esq. By the evidence of a Mr. Shilcott, and others, it was satisfactorily shown to the jury that no blame was to be attached to Mr. Weeks, the driver, but that it arose from the swaying of the vehicle in turning the corner. It is said that the carriage of the omnibus is too narrow for the body, and that the springs are not so stiff as they should be when having a heavy load on them. By the evidence of W. Ells the assistant, it was considered that they were going at the pace of from six to seven miles an hour when the accident took place Mr. DeLasaux addressed the jury upon the evidence adduced and explained the law as to the responsibility attached to proprietors and drivers of public conveyances, and the jury returned an unanimous verdict of "Accidental Death," and levied a deodand of £5 on the van and 1s. on the horses.

The deceased's eldest daughter was also much injured, and is now confined to her bed at Herne Bay, as is also deceased’s youngest child, they being two of five persons who were riding on the outside of the van at the lime the accident took place. The remains of the unfortunate lady, who was 43 years of age, were removed from Herne Bay on Wednesday, in order to be interred in London.

Mr. Moore, the husband, is one of the partners of the firm of Moore and Co., confectioners, Holborn.

From the Kentish Gazette, 12 August 1845.

ROYAL PIER HOTEL, HERNE BAY.

The Legitimate Drama not at Discourt.

We have great pleasure in acquainting our readers that this delightful on fashionable watering place, has, during the last week, being visited by Mr. Anderson, professor and reciter in dramatic literature, who on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings last, entertained and delighted the visitors and resident gentry of Herne Bay with his very pleasing dramatic readings, taken from the text of Shakespeare and other dramatists; and we feel justined in saying that his quotations from the Great Bard will not only judiciously chosen, but also delivered and a most masterly style. His soliloquy from Hamlet will give him with much feeling and pathos, while his impassioned scenes from Macbeth and the Merchant of Venice, failed not call forth bursts of applause from the whole of the company, which plainly indicated that this talented gentlemen had freely indulged in a thorough conception of the authors meaning. His comic pieces were also duly appreciated, and created bursts of laughter, more especially of the Court Puzzled. The German band added much to the evenings amusement. We understand Mr. Anderson intends giving another performance at Herne Bay, on Wednesday evening, when he will be assisted by Mr. John Eastes, principal tenor lay clerk of Canterbury Cathedral.

From the Kentish Gazette, 3 October 1848.

HERNE BAY.

The body of a man, apparently about 60 years of age, was found early on Sunday morning last on the beach near the pier, which apparently had been in the water but a few hours. Mr. Salter, the chief constable, took charge of it, and informed Mr. Delasaux of the circumstance, who summoned a jury the following day, and the inquest was held at the "Pier Hotel," when, in consequence of a deep wound appearing in the skull of deceased, Mr. Delasaux adjourned the inquest till Wednesday, at the request of some of the gentlemen forming the jury, in order that, by a post mortem examination being made in the interim, it might be satisfactorily ascertained if death had occurred from any other cause than that of drowning. Deceased is supposed to have arrived at Herne Bay by the steam-boat on Saturday, as a person answering his description was seen there during that evening; otherwise, he was an entire stranger to the inhabitants. When found, he on a blue frock coat, dark woollen waistcoat with white spots, black cloth trousers, and white cotton stockings. His linen was not marked with initials or otherwise; nor was anything found on him that might lead to a discovery as to where he came from; and only one shilling was found in his pocket. In height deceased was about 5ft. 6in., light brown hair, grey whiskers, and florid complexion.

Kentish Gazette, 18 December 1849.

DEATH.

Hemsley:— Dec 13, at Clifton, near Bristol, Mr. Joseph Hemsley, late of the "Pier Hotel," Herne Bay.

From the Kentish Gazette, 7 July 1857.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S PETTY SESSIONS.

Saturday, July 4. (before Edward Foss, Esq., Wm. Hyder, Esq., Wmn. Delmar, Esq., and Captain Slarke.)

John Steer, landlord of the "Pier Hotel," Herne Bay, was I summoned, on the information of Superintendent Walker, for having persons drinking in his house at unlawful hours, Police-constable 43 deposed that he went to the "Pier Hotel" at halt-past twelve o'clock on Sunday morning last, and, after some delay, obtained admittance. He went into a room in which Mr. Steer and two other gentlemen were sitting. They were smoking and drinking spirits and water. The glasses were three parts full. One of the gentlemen was the pier-master, and therefore not a lodger. On being requested to clear the house, Mr. Steer said he could not do so.

Mr. Steer:— When you said that you could not obtain, admittance, did I not show you a bell which you could have rung?

Witness:- You did show me a bell.

In reply to questions from the bench, the witness said that he did not see the house cleared, and that the second gentleman was a stranger to him.

In reply to the charge, Mr. Steer said there certainly were persons sitting in the room at the time, but that no liquor had been supplied to them after twelve o’clock. One of the gentlemen was the proprietor of the hotel, who frequently came there on Saturday and stayed till Monday, i Persons who wished to see him on business were obliged to come on one of those days. On the present occasion the conversation on a matter of business had been prolonged beyond the usual time, but he could assure the bench that the law had not been transgressed. The proprietor as a lodger and himself were entitled to have full glasses if they chose, and it was not likely that the constable could remember whether the third glass was also in that state.

The constable said that he certainly could.

In reply to the bench, Mr. Steer said that he had I objected to clear the house because he understood it was necessary to use physical force.

The bench said there should be no difficulty in that respect. Most persons, especially those in the position of Mr. Steer’s guests, would go when requested to do so; and if they did not, the landlord was justified in turning them out, using no unnecessary violence; or if he objected to do so, his duty was to call in the nearest constable to clear the house. The law was not harsh or unreasonable, and Mr. Steer must be well aware that it was his duty to obey it. Under all the circumstances and in consideration of the good character the house bore, the penalty would be in the small sum of 10s.

South Eastern Gazette, 22 May, 1860.

Admission of an Insolvent to Bail.

Yesterday morning, C. Harwood, Esq., judge of the County Court, held a special sitting in the council chamber of the Guildhall, for the purpose of admitting to bail John Steer, of the "Pier Hotel," Herne Bay. The necessary documents having been signed, Alfred Sabine, baker, of Canterbury, and Philip Ashwell, draper, of Herne Bay, were accepted, as bail for the appearance of the insolvent at the next court, to be held on the 20th of June. The insolvent, whose liabilities are £1,390 and his assets £8 10s., was supported by Mr. Towne.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 23 June, 1860.

INSOLVENTS.

The following cases, all proposed were heard.

John Steer, "Pier Hotel," Herne Bay, hotel-keeper debts, £1,390 0s. 6d.; credits, £8 10s.

South Eastern Gazette, 26 June, 1860.

Insolvents.

The following insolvents obtained their discharge I without opposition:—

John Steer, landlord of the "Pier Hotel," Herne Bay. Debts, £1,390 0s. 6d., assets £8 10s.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 12 September, 1863.

ANNUAL LICENSING DAY.

This being the annual licensing day, the innkeepers of Herne Bay attended to get their certificates renewed. Every application was granted, but Mr. Croft, of the “Pier Hotel,” was desired to keep his house more orderly for the future.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 30 March, 1867. Price 1d.

HERNE BAY. The Catch Club.

The last concert (an extra night) of this Club of the present season took place at the “Royal Pier Hotel” on Monday evening, and proved a decided success. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the attendance was good, including a large number of agricultural friends. The chair was ably filled, by E. B. Collard, Esq. The talent engaged for this occasion was the Whitstable Glee Union, who exerted themselves to the utmost to afford a pleasing entertainment, and their endeavours were crowned with success. The whole of the music and singing were remarkably good. The solo and chorus “Come where my love lies dreaming,” was well rendered, the solo being admirably sung by Mr. G. Cox. The glee “The Bells of St. Michael's Tower,” by the members of the Union, was given with equal effect, and the song by Mr. Johnson, “British Man-o'-War,” was deservedly encored. A solo on the cornet was also given by Mr. Johnson, in which he was loudly applauded. The efficient band played an overture and some dance music, which formed an attractive feature of the excellent programme. Several songs were sung by members of the company, and altogether the concert was one of the best that we have had, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. In the course of the evening Mr. Geo. Harrison proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which we need hardly say was carried with acclamation. Mr. Collard responded in a few appropriate remarks, in the course of which he gave a statement of the funds of the Club, and congratulated the members on the fact of there being a balance in hand wherewith to commence another season. A vote of thanks was also tendered to Mr. W. Boyce, the spirited proprietor of the Hotel, for the attention and assiduous manner in which he had catered for his guests. This likewise met with a hearty reception, and Mr. Boyce briefly acknowledged the compliment.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 20 April, 1867. Price 1d.

Boyce v Russell.

This was an action by plaintiff, who is landlord of the “Royal Pier Hotel,” Herne Bay, to recover the sum of £29 15s. 11d., incurred by defendant while at the “Royal Pier Hotel.”

Mr. Delasaux appeared for plaintiff.

Mr. Boyce said:- I am landlord of the “Royal Pier Hotel,” at Herne Bay. Defendant came to my house on the 24th of December, 1866, and arranged to stay there about a month. He engaged the rooms from the 24th of December, for his wife and family. We made no arrangements about what I should charge for boarding defendant and his family.

Mr. Clarkson said he was in the “Pier Hotel,” on the 24th of December. Defendant said he was coming down to Herne Bay, and he wanted to find some house to board and lodge him and his family. Mr. Boyce told him that he would find his house as cheap and comfortable as any. Mr. Russell asked plaintiff if he could board and lodge them for three guineas a week. Mr. Boyce said that he always took children and servants half-price, and he agreed on 6s. a day.

Mr. Russell:- On the 24th of December I was at Herne Bay, and went to the “Pier Hotel.” While there I asked Mr. Boyce if he knew of any lodgings. Mr. Boyce said I should find his house as cheap and comfortable as any. He ultimately agreed to board and lodge us for 8s. a day, which included everything but drink. The bill really amounts to only £22 3s.

His Honour gave judgment for the plaintiff.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 30 November 1867. Price 1d.

THE ROYAL PIER HOTEL.

This fine building is once more untenanted. The present proprietor having purchased it with “immediate possession,” gave the late tenant, Mr. William Boyce, who has conducted the hotel for the last three years so well, notice to quit, and it is now empty. What will be done with it? is a question asked by many; some say it will be converted into private dwellings. A few days ago Mr. and Mrs. Boyce received the following very flattering, and at the same time well deserved, testimonial signed by Captain Slarke, J.P., the Rev. H. Geary, the Rev. J. B. Buchanan, the Rev. S. Ottley, Captain Roberts, G. R. Denison, Esq., Dr. Smith, J. Bowes, Esq., E. B. Collard, Esq., A. Wetherell, Esq., T. Godfrey, Esq., and Mr. P. Ashwell:— “To Mr. and Mrs. Boyce, of the Royal Pier Hotel, Herne Bay, in the county of Kent—Sir and Madam, —We hereby beg to express our great regret that you are about to leave the above hotel, no other persons holding the same having had any success. By your excellent management, activity, intelligence, and amiability, yon have entirely created the business now belonging to the house, and it is felt to so a calamity that you should leave Herne Bay; and this regret is shared in by every inhabitant without exception. We are, dear Sir and Madam, Yours very obediently, &c., &c,” Then follow the names given above.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 21 December 1867. Price 1d.

Boyce v. Cook.

Claim £4 7s. 10d. for board and lodging.

Mr. Boyce is proprietor of the “Pier Hotel,” Herne Bay, and the defendant sent two of his daughters to the Bay, and entrusted them to the care of the plaintiff, who supplied them with board, but had not received any money from defendant.

Ordered to be paid forthwith.

Kentish Gazette, 15 March, 1870.

Seaside County or Convalescent Hospital, Home or Asylum,

TO BE LET OR SOLD,

The “ROYAL PIER HOTEL”

HERNE BAY,

MORE than 100 feet frontage, having 17 rooms on the second floor, 15 on the first floor, and 13 on the ground floor; one room on this floor is 47 feet long, and one on the first floor 60 feet long. A corridor on each floor the whole length of the building, with a window at each end. Two staircases, six w.c.’s. A garden and yard at the back, 120 feet, with stabling for 20 horses on one side and 20 carnages on the other, convertible to other purposes. A good supply of cold and hot water.

The Freehold will be sold at less than a third its cost. Part of the purchase money may remain on mortgage.

Apply to Mr. Faulkner, 61, Jermyn-street, W.8., London.

Kentish Gazette, 22 March, 1870.

SEASIDE HOTEL.

TO BE LET or SOLD, at a very low price,

“ROYAL PIER HOTEL,” HERNE BAY.

Apply to Mr. Faulkner, 51, Jermyn-street, S.W., London. N.B.

Suitable for a Hospital or Asylum.

From the Whitstable Times, 25 October, 1902.

HERNE BAY. DEATH FROM OVERLAYING.

An inquest was held by the East Kent Coroner (Mr. R. M. Mercer) at the “Pier Hotel,” Herne Bay, on Friday, touching the death of Dorothy Maud Heaton, aged two months, the child of Samuel and Sarah Jane Heaton, of 3, Sea Street Cottages, Herne Bay.

It appeared that the child had been healthy from birth. The mother went to bed at about 10.30 p.m., on the 15th October and took the child with her. It was all right at 2 a.m., but at 4 o’clock when the mother awoke again she found the child's face was cold. On getting a light she found the child to be dead. A doctor was sent for immediately.

The jury returned a verdict that death was due to suffocation caused by overlaying.

The main building was demolished in 1968 leaving just the left hand side, which continued with the name "Pier Hotel."

Above photo 2009.

Above photo by Doogie Moon, December 2011.

Above photo by Doogie Moon, December 2011.

Above sign 2011 by Doogie Moon.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Jack Dyson, 9 November 2021.

Herne Bay seafront pub to become restaurant and cocktail bar.

A long-empty seaside pub is set to be transformed into a Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar.

Harry Marsh and Dilushan Fernando hope to open the plush eatery in the old Pier Hotel, on the corner of St George’s Terrace and Station Road, Herne Bay, next month.

Harry Marsh stood outside the old Pier Hotel in Herne Bay.

The married couple, who already run Bay Leaf Coffee House in the centre of the town, have forked out about £100,000 on work to the site since they took it on in March.

Mr Marsh is hoping the addition of live music and LGBT events, as well as wine and gin-tasting evenings, will help bolster the Bay’s night-time offerings.

“We’ll be tentatively exploring that side of things,” the businessman said.

“We’ve heard there’s a demand for something like LGBT events in town. Quite a few local businesses have put some events on this year, which is the first I’ve seen.

“There seems to be this idea that you start your night in Herne Bay and end it in Margate or Canterbury.

“We’d like to try to offer something where you can stay here and have a good night.”

Mr Marsh expects the new restaurant to employ as many as 30 people, including a mixologist who will devise the bar’s cocktail menu.

It will serve curries “that we’ll put our own spin on”, vegan dishes and fresh seafood.

The Pier Hotel in Station Road, Herne Bay, is set to reopen as a Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar. Picture: Chris Davey.

“We always like to do something a bit different, as we do with the café,” Mr Marsh added.

“It’ll be mainly focused on evening dining, but people will be able to come in and just have a drink at the bar.

“We’re hoping to open this side of the new year. When we took over in March, there was no kitchen at all – it was all empty rooms – so we had to put one in, and we’ve finished the decorating.

“We have the finishing touches to do, and then, aside from that, we need to finalise the staff.”

The Pier Hotel, which dates back to the 1800s, has previously been known as The "Hope and Anchor," and "Constables."

The former hotel above the old pub was converted into four flats and sold off in the 1990s. Meanwhile, the former boozer closed about eight years ago, having last been known as The Pier.

LICENSEE LIST

SYRYMSHER T M 1840+

STEER/MEER George 1847+55 (age 68 in 1851)