Central Parade

Herne Bay

01227 372555

https://whatpub.com/bandstand-cafe-bar

Above postcard, circa 1924.

Above postcard circa 1928.

Above photo, 2011, kindly sent by Dougie Moon.

Above photo, 2011, kindly sent by Dougie Moon.

Above photo, March 2012, kindly sent by Dougie Moon.

Above photo, March 2012, kindly sent by Dougie Moon.

Above photo 2019.

Above photo 2019.

This isn't a public house as such, but does hold a drinks license that part being run by Thorley Taverns. It had been occupied by the famous Kent ice-cream manufacturers Makarie's since 2009 and now offers the full range of cafe products all year round.

The Central Bandstand, known as “The Bandstand” was designed by H. Kempton Dyson in 1924, extended with an art deco frontage in 1932, and refurbished between 1998 and 1999.

It is one of the coastal landmarks of the town. When first built, it was a popular venue for visiting military band concerts and for tea dances.

In the 1920s and 1930s a red carpet would be laid across the road and up to the stage for the conductor of the brass band to walk from the "Connaught Hotel" which was directly opposite. The Central Bandstand was one of the first reinforced structures in the UK. It straddles the beach and Central Parade just east of the Clock Tower. The back or seaward half, built in 1924, was originally supported above the beach on concrete pillars sheathed in cast iron, so that the stage was level with the main thoroughfare. The tide used to go in and out under the building until at least the 1950s.

During World War II when the Pier was out of bounds, anglers were permitted to fish from the rooftop balcony.

In 2009 The Bandstand became the home of Makarie's. Who have worked very hard over the last few years, and continue to do so, to bring “The Bandstand” back to its former glory. In 2013 The “Bandstand” has once again become a very popular local attraction for tourists & locals alike, not only for the good entertainment but also for the high quality service, freshly made food & coffee.

Makcahi's say "And Not forgetting that it is here where our specially trained Gelato chefs make the famous Makcahi's Gelato for ALL the Makcari's Parlours."

LICENSEE LIST