PORT ARMS Pubs of Deal

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Deal, May, 2022.

Page Updated:- Thursday, 12 May, 2022.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1672

Port Arms

Open 2022+

South Parade/South End

10 Beach Street

Deal

01304 373598

https://portarmsdeal.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com

https://whatpub.com/port-arms

Above photo, 1863. Also showing in the background the Deal Admiralty Signal Station.

Above photo, circa 1900, outside the "Port Arms." Showing either William or Henry Meakins as host.

Above photographs by Paul Skelton 2 Mach 2008.

Port Arms sign left, November 1987, right, March 1991.

Above with thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com

Above beermat, circa 1970's. Kindly sent by Mike L.

From Kentish Gazette 21 August 1784.

DEAL, August 1784. To be Sold by AUCTION,

At MR. THOMAS CAVELL's, at the PORT ARMS, DEAL, on Tuesday, September 7, (Unless disposed of by PRIVATE CONTRACT before, of which Notice will be given.)

ALL that good Cutter called THE SURPRIZE, About two Years and a Half old, Burthen about thirty Tons, or thereabouts, with Mast, Yard and Sails, compleat, and almost as good as new; she is a prime Sailer, and fit for Immediate Service.

For further Particulars enquire of MR. JOHN CAVELL,

South-end, Deal, or at the place of sale where Inventories may be had.

From Kentish Gazette 18 November 1808.

MARRIED.

Nov. 17, at Upper Deal, Mr. Hockady Minter, mariner, to Miss Hannah Tutgen, daughter of Mr. John Tutgen, of the "Port Arms," public-house, both of Deal.

Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, Friday 3 September 1813.

Custom House, London. 24th August, 1813.

Where it has been represented to the Commissioners of the his Majesty's customs, that about 9 o'clock in the night of the 13th inst. William Gimber and Samuel Hawkes, officers of the Customs, having seized a Boat on the Beach at the South end of the town of Deal, in the County of Kent, with a quantity of smuggled spirits on board in small casks, were violently assaulted and obstructed by a number of smugglers, who came out of a public house, called the "Port Arms," in the said town of Deal, and forcibly took and carried away the said casks of spirits.

The Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs, in order to bring to justice the said offenders, are hereby pleased to offer a reward of £100, to any person or persons who shall discover and apprehend, or caused to be discovered and apprehended, by one or more of the said offenders, to be paid by the collector of his Majesty's Customs at the port of Deal, upon conviction.

By order of the Commissioners, G. Delavaud. Sec.

From the Deal, Walmer and Sandwich Telegram, 5 January, 1861.

A social gathering of the brethren of the Enlightened Cottage, Deal was held at the "Port Arms Inn." The viands were first rate and much credit is due to Bro. Thomas Trott, the worthy host.

From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 13 January, 1872.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS

The Supt. stated that on Sunday last about ten minutes before 12 one of the constables visited the "Port Arms," public-house, and found 13 or 14 men in the tap-room with beer before them, and he had reported the case to the Mayor who had requested him to name it to the Magistrates.

The Mayor said the landlord of the "Port Arms" Mr. Trott and been to him and informed him that it was customary when men come ashore to supply them with refreshment, but the police stated that there were some present besides watermen, who were not connected with the boat, and he thought therefore that it would be best for Trott to attend before the Magistrates.

Mr. Trott said there were only two persons in the room at the time who were not watermen, and they had assisted to heave the boat, and it was always customary with the boatmen to give a pint of beer to those who assisted them with their boats.

The Magistrates expressed an opinion that while boat's crews coming ashore from a long cruise might stand in need of refreshment, it must be distinctly understood that no other person could be served during prohibited hours.

Mr. Trott said he perfectly understood this, and during the 20 years he had had a public-house no one had paid greater respect to the law than he had, and in this the police could bear him out.

The matter then dropped, the Magistrates remarking that the police had done quite right in reporting the case.

Above photo shows the interior of the "Port Arms" and licensees Mr. and Mrs. Preston. Circa 1969-70.

From the Dover Mercury, 7 May 2009.

Boaters and blazers by the old bandstand

A view of Deal seafront, from a postcard delivered in August, 1911 Picture: Gregory Holyoake Collection.

HORDES of Deal people and tourists used to attend performances at a bandstand, which used to be near the Time Ball Tower.

Many wore their Sunday best, sporting bowlers or boaters, and suits, as seen in this week's Now and Then postcard.

Visitors today are dressed casually mostly in jeans and T-shirts rather than early century finery of blazers and dresses.

The view from the seashore looks up towards South Street, with the Port Arms next to the big square ivy-covered building on the corner of Beach Street, (left of picture.)

A row of seafront buildings next to the pub are long gone and the open space contains an exotic feel with palm trees Boaters and and picnic benches. But in the early 1900s, the beach attracted people enjoying lounging on deck chairs and watching a band play.

This postcard sent from a visitor at a guest house in Gilford Road, Deal, is addressed to Miss E. Britton, in Chatham.

The sender described how the 'Royal Marine Band plays here every day' and how the writer enjoyed 'very good weather'. The stamp was post-marked August 29, 1911.

The view also shows a boat moored on the foreshore, but today this section of the beach is empty except the odd windswept visitor, parked cars or Beach Street traffic.

In the old picture the promenade towards the Broad Street roundabout (right of picture) shows the "Beachbrow Hotel", which also occupied a building at the top of the street which is now a shop selling Buddha's.

The old oil light lamppost, on the left on the postcard, has been replaced with a One Way Street sign entering South Street.

Advert from the Dover Mercury February 2003.

Below Advert from the Dover mercury 25 January 2007.

Below Advert from the Dover Mercury 25 October 2007.

Below From the Dover Mercury 29 November 2007.

COME and get into the party mood as the festive season fast approaches at The Port Arms.

Christmas menu is wonderfully varied.

The Christmas menu at the Port Arms in Deal is full of great dishes.

COME and get into the party mood as the festive season fast approaches at The Port Arms.

Laying right on the sea, the Beach Street establishment can cater for all your needs this Christmas, with a fantastic and varied menu that will get all your taste buds begging for more.

The Port Arms is the perfect venue for you to hold your Christmas party as you celebrate the end of another year with friends and family.

At only £15.95 for three courses, you can pick from a wide choice of starters, mains and desserts, including tender turkey with all the trimmings, a nut roast, pan fried garlic king prawns, profiteroles and traditional Christmas pudding drizzled with brandy sauce.

Licensee Brian Pitchford, who runs The Port Arms with owner Sue Gill, said: "We are really proud of our Christmas menu. It is full of great dishes. The Port Arms takes a lot of pride in preparing top quality food."

The continued success of Steak Night every Thursday is a testimony to the great food being served up at The Port Arms. Great value at only £10.95, can you take up the challenge of tackling a 20oz rump? Why not come down between 6pm until 9.30pm and give it a go? A wide-range of steaks are available.

Brian said: "Our Steak Nights are very popular. All day, every Friday we also have a fresh fish choice to supplement our main menu. We support local traders and local produce, and a majority of our food comes from in and around Deal."

For more information or to make a booking, call The Port Arms on 01304 373045, or pop in.

Normal menu hours: Monday to Thursday, noon until 3.30 and 6pm until 9.30pm. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon until 9.30pm.

Saturday 7th January. Ghost Search.

Our Researchers could find no history about the Port Arms Inn.

The Investigation Report.

It was one of those events, not a lot of information (in fact hardly any) but plenty of Spiritual activity to keep the guest's awake and alert. We started the investigation with a demonstration of table tipping, and, although the table did the usual spinning and dancing, the main event where our Parapsychologist (Gary) sat on the table, failed to go as hoped. The table did tip up on to one side and Gary had to hold on to stop himself falling off, but when we asked Spirit to spin the table around it just placed the table back square on the floor. We attempted again with someone lighter sitting on it, (just hoping) but this time it refused to move at all. The group that I was assigned too decided to go into the cellar as our first port of call, and I'm glad we did. Each of the group members experienced some pushing, pulling and hand movement. At one point when almost all of the hands around the circle where held up to about waist height Maxine (guest) asked Spirit if they could make all of the hands touch, and slowly each of us were pulled together until all hands were indeed touching. There were cases of people having their hair or faces touched by unseen hands, and the smells of scents and pipe tobacco wafting around. I saw a male Spirit come into the room we were working in and he was about 5'7" tall and had silver/grey hair which was combed straight back (no parting) he looked to be in his late 50's to early 60's, but unfortunately, no name or dates with him. We stayed in the cellar for quite some time as the activity was high and virtually constant. Poor Carrie (guest) had to go out of the room twice as she felt unwell, but returned each time after a short break to regain her composure because she didn't want to miss anything. When we left the cellar we went to the main bar area, and after a brief chat about what had gone on some of the guests wanted to try out the Ouija boards (I had explained that all of the Ghost Search mediums ask for protection for everyone on the investigation prior to the start). With 4 guests on one board I showed them how to use it and stayed with them until a connection was made. I then took my finger off of the planchett so it was just the guests operating it. We do this to prove that we (GS mediums) are not influencing it. The evidence that came from this board astounded the participants. There were names and even a full address (which was confirmed by another person not on the board). 2 other guests along with Gary ( our Parapsychologist) set up another board at the other side of the room. Again I explained how to use the board, and placed my finger onto the planchette. Almost immediately Maxine had a shock as her Nan came through. I then left them to it and went back to the first group. We then had a go at glass movement. We started getting movement and as it got faster it decided to go under the table but we couldn't keep up and it fell. It was re-started (without me this time) and again it went to the corner of the table and under the tabletop, this time the guests did not let go and it went round the underside then returned to the tabletop. From here we went to one of the bedrooms, we held a séance, and although the room was dark it seemed to get darker still. Several of the guests felt someone touching them and a couple (me also) could see a “darkness” moving towards us. Then a few of the guests saw what they described as “sparkles” of different colours moving about the floor and spinning round. As it proceeded to move towards the side of the circle that I was standing, I too could see them. Both myself and Jo (camera lady although not operating a cam at the time) could hear footsteps behind us, there was nobody anywhere near us, and the room had fitted carpet but the footsteps were on a solid hard floor. As the happenings died down, much to our surprise we saw that it was time to call an end to the night's vigil. We all gathered in the bar area for a debrief of the nights events and look at the orbs and anomalies that had been caught on the cams.

I would like to express my thanks to Lorna, Mike and Shaun at the Port Arms Inn for their hospitality, the “Lovely grub” and the drinks all through the night.

Pete

(Ghost Search Uk Paranormal investigators).

http://www.ghostsearchuk.co.uk/

Leased from 1672 by William Mallett or Mullett he was a Pilot, with capstan and Tenement, and his widow, Elizabeth, was still there 1699.

1721 shows the premises leased and supplied by Samuel Fasham brewer.

Next was Thomas Oakley, also brewer in 1759 and his son, also Thomas followed suit in 1783

Deal Borough Records show the following entry:- MS Council's Opinion 18th November 1776 - by Geo. Rowe, Inner Temple.

In the town and Borough of Deal are 30 Publick Houses including taverns and Inns, 18 whereof have stabling fit for the accommodation of Dragoons and horses and the other 12 have no stabling at all.

These dragoons (12 or 13 in all) were to assist the Officers of the Revenue at Deal.

The following houses refused to billet the Dragoons for lack of suitable accommodation.

The Port Arms was mentioned in this list, and Charles Hutchings was licensee at the time.

Apparently the house used to stand almost on the beach, but about 1893 the road we see today was built in front of it and thus separated it from the shingle. This is one of the oldest pubs in Deal.

An outlet of Fremlins in 1974.

Above photo taken by Nudge Friend in January 1978 showing a boat that had been washed up just after the storms of 11th/12th January.

From an email received 23 October 2012

Both my Mother & Father, Bob & Liz Witcher ran the "Port Arms" successfully from 1974 when they turned the pub completely around. My father served as Band Master in the Royal Marines Band Service and upon his retirement from the service took over the tenancy.

I remember the pub well, as I myself lived there for a short while I was also in the Royal Marines Band Service. Mum used to run the pub with her stern, but fair management skills (probably gained as a result of her career in the WRNS as an officer) whilst dad played a lot of golf & yes...........DARTS ha! Ha! I have so many happy memories of Deal and the Port Arms over the years, but when my father died suddenly in 1983,my mother was forced to really consider her position in the pub so she decided that enough was enough. She continued to live in Deal and was a very well known figure in the local community until her own untimely death in February 2005.

Kind regard,

Ian Witcher.

From an email received, 11 March, 2013.

Searching the internet for genealogy purposes I came across your site. I would like to provide you with some info concerning landlords of the "Port Arms " beach street Deal.

My Grandfather was born there (as per his birth certificate ) on 12th. Sept. 1878, where my Greatgrandparents George Richard Hall and his wife Amelia White Hall are shown as the licensed victuallers of the "Port Arms" . Then in the 1881 census (G. R. Hall had passed away 1880) it shows my Great-grandmother Amelia White Hall still the licensed victualler.

Regards

Robin Hall.

From the Dover Mercury, 22 January, 2009.

Woman attacks landlord in pub.

POLICE were called to a disturbance in the early hours of the morning at the "Port Arms" pub, Beach Street, Deal.

Proprietor Michael Prime said he was attacked by a customer, who let herself into the living area through a digitally-locked door last Wednesday.

He said: "She punched me and ripped the top off my back, then proceeded to try and strangle me."

A 38-year-old woman from Walmer was arrested and issued with a formal caution for common assault.

From the Dover Mercury, 8 October, 2009.

Pub outdoor space was once children's play area

A postcard of Deal seafront 40 years ago, probably taken from one of the side windows of the Port Arms pub.

Above postcard, date unknown.

BUSINESSES in Deal welcomed the £130,000 new-look stretch of seafront created in 2007, which was completed in June ready for the summer.

The district council heralded the improvements to Beach Street, which included upgrading the open space and rerouting traffic away from part of the area.

It has proved a popular place for visitors and the community, especially during events like the Deal Maritime Folk Festival.

A Mercury reader remembers the piece of land in the 1960s and loaned Now and Then a Salmon Camera Colour Post Card, printed in England.

It is believed to date back to the 196os when there was a series of children's amusements on the open space.

A giant draughts board was created from concrete slabs beside the Port Arms and there was a kart track opposite the King's Head.

At the north end a colourful roundabout for children used to occupy the site in the summer.

It was owned by Pat Heath, president of the Deal 1919 Angling Club and chairman of Walmer Parish Council.

He said: "The roundabout was great fun and was there before I brought it as a bit of entertainment for Deal seafront. That was probably in the late 1960s.

Pegasus

"In those days my brother Tony and I had Pegasus. The roundabout was eventually sold and I believe rebuilt at a fairground in Dymchurch."

Pegasus the cafe was later bought by Ian and Linda Dunkerley, who transformed it into an award winning restaurant. They eventually bought the Pier Hotel, on the corner of Broad Street and Beach Street.

The buildings in the old postcard are mainly still the same, although the boats beside the pier have now disappeared.

A red K6 Jubilee phone box on the roundabout is still in position.

Photographer Paul Dennis captures Beach Street, Deal as It looks now.

From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 28 January, 2009.

ALCOHOL-FREE HOTEL NEXT TO PORT ARMS PUB

Above photo by Gregory Holyoake.

BEFORE the Second World War in Deal there was a big temperance hotel on the seafront which was a popular attraction for visitors to the seaside.

The three-storey building stood on land north of the "Port Arms," one of the town's oldest pubs.

An alcohol-free business, it was called Beach House Temperance Hotel and had its own private garden stretching towards the Broad Street junction.

At one time it was run by generations of the same family called Jefferson and the proprietors were James and his father Samuel.

It had a grand dining room in Edwardian times and many servants. There was a grand entrance facing the sea, with another less impressive door looking north.

The property was once the home of a notable naval family of Baker who entertained King George II in 1740 after his return from Hanover. It is possible the grounds once extended to the beach.

According to Deal historian Julie Deller, it was an imposing building and she remembered as a child seeing a huge tortoise in the beautiful garden, which was surrounded by a low brick wall.

She said: "In the Second World War the hotel was filled with concrete and steel to deter invaders.

"The building was finally demolished, along with a house between the hotel and the "Ports Arms," as well as a brick store at the back of the pub used for keeping the beer."

Beach House Temperance Hotel was bought by Deal Borough Council in 1952 and after the old building was knocked down the space remained open.

It can be seen in the old postcard just left of the ornate lamppost on the promenade.

The view also shows boats on the foreshore and the old pier which was later damaged in the Second World War.

The CAMRA branch meeting of August 2008 reported that the "Port Arms" had closed. The meeting in September reported it open again and September reported it as closed.

I believe it to be open as I type this Jan 2010.

From the Dover Mercury, 2 June, 2011. 70p

FIRST CLASS REPUTATION AND A WARM, FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

Advertising feature.

THE "Port Arms" has just celebrated its first year under new ownership with Nikki Pooke, who has worked hard to give the traditional pub a top class reputation for its friendliness, warmth and excellent service.

She has refurbished the seafront premises and has created a fun family atmosphere for all generations. The home cooked food brings a multitude of locals, who return time and time again to enjoy their favourite dishes.

Due to its prominent location the "Port Arms" also greets many visitors to Deal, who stay in one of the beautiful guest rooms. Having been recently awarded three stars by Visit England, the fantastic sea views, en-suite bathrooms and close proximity to the town centre and train station make the "Port Arms" the perfect weekend getaway.

Entertainment on Saturday nights is always great fun with karaoke and on Sunday evenings live music bands are always a must, with great local bands for all to enjoy.

Nikki is also a keen participant in charity events and fundraising. The next event is in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer to be held on Saturday.

From the Dover Mercury, 1 March, 2012. 80p

KIND PUB STAFF MADE BIRTHDAY MEMORABLE.

I WOULD like you to print my letter to help others who might have the same problems as me.

I am unable to eat gluten, wheat or lactose, and on my birthday my husband wanted to take me out for a pub lunch.

I phoned up the "Port Arms." They were so helpful and when we arrived there, the chef came to see me and helped me sort out a dinner I could eat. The service was first class, and I would tell anyone to go there. Next time I would ring up the day before to give them more chance to be able to get in what I need.

Many thanks to all the workers in the "Port Arms" for making my birthday special.

Kathy Prince, Thompson Close, Walmer.

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 15 November, 2012. 65p. Report by Phil Hayes

JEALOUS LOVER'S PUB BAN FOR A STREET RAMPAGE.

Civil engineer smashed windows

A DRUNKEN civil engineer who smashed shop windows while in a jealous rage over his teenage lover has been banned from pubs and clubs in Deal, a court heard.

Jason Botten, 20, of Middle Acre, Deal, kicked the windows of two high street stores two nights in a row after receiving texts alleging his 17-year-old ex-girl-friend had been unfaithful.

He sank five pints of Stella Artois before venting his fury on the shop fronts of Boots and Marks & Spencer, on July 25, before damaging Boots again the following evening.

Teresa Ruiz, prosecuting, said: “A witness who saw the incident from the public house opposite identified Mr Botten through a Facebook site.”

She told the court how Botten, who was serving a community order for one count of theft and four of criminal damage, was arrested on October 24.

“He told the police officers he was having a bad time. He had been drinking with friends and was drunk.

“He could remember kicking the window to Boots and someone shouting at him from the public house,” Mrs Ruiz added.

Botten, a self-employed civil engineer, appeared smartly dressed in shirt and trousers before Folkestone magistrates charged with criminal damage on Thursday, November 8.

Alan Land, defending, described how Botten works fulltime from 5am to 7pm, sometimes more than six days a week.

Split up

Mr Land said: “At the "Port Arms" pub in Deal Mr Botten drank around five to six pints of Stella and left at 10pm.

“Two weeks before the incident occurred he split up with his long term partner of three years.

“While at the pub he received a text saying his partner had been having an affair.

“Mr Botten's ex suffered a miscarriage three weeks before they split.”

Chairman of the bench, Jeremy Powell, said: “Mr Botten, you present yourself well and hold down a good job. And yet you have this propensity to go around damaging windows. It's got to stop.

“This problem needs to be addressed before it gets too bad.”

Botten, the son of a property developer and a horse dealer, pleaded guilty to the charge.

He was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation and given another community sentence with two requirements.

He must be supervised by the probation service for 12 months and cannot go to any pub, club or nightclub in the Deal parish area for a period of six months.

The magistrate added: “We hope you can get advice on how to deal with your relationships.

“Please do not breach this community order in any way.

“The next time you could be looking at imprisonment. ”

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Eleanor Perkins, 23 November 2020.

The Port Arms pub in Deal set for £50k transformation as new landlord takes over tenancy.

A son is following in his father's footsteps after securing a tenancy on a well-known pub and launching a £50,000 refurbishment.

James Stiles has been running the King's Head in Deal on behalf of his dad Graham Stiles for almost 10 years.

The Port Arms in Deal is getting a £50,000 makeover.

James Stiles is following in his father Graham Stiles's footsteps having taken over the Port Arms in Deal.

Having picked up all the experience he needs, the 32-year-old is now embarking on a journey of his own, taking over neighbouring seafront establishment the Port Arms with a five-year agreement with EI Group.

But his investment in the property would suggest the publican intends to make the venue a long term success - mirroring the efforts of his dad who has been a landlord in the town for four decades.

He is injecting £50,000 into transforming the watering hole, working alongside Gerald Wilton Design who have previously worked on The "Coastguard" in St Margaret's Bay and the "Zetland" in Kingsdown.

The current lockdown is proving the ideal time to conduct the works, giving it a modern nautical theme ready to welcome new customers for the festive season.

Mr Stiles, who was 23 when he returned from four years as a transfer driver in The Alps to help his dad at the "King's Head," said: "I've had an excellent 10 years with the "Kings Head" and we're very lucky we've got some great managers who work alongside us."

The Stiles family are all chipping in to help with the refurbishment.

Father and son Graham and James Stiles will now run the outside terrace in conjunction with each other.

"The location of the building has to be one of the best in Deal, with its views of the sea and the patio outside the front," he said.

"It was destined to be boarded up. We knew that meant steel sheets all over the place and that wouldn't have been a good look.

"The two pubs will run in conjunction with each other. The idea is that they complement each other."

The old carpet inside the Port Arms has been pulled up and the bar is being modified.

The old bar has been sanded back to make way for a more modern looking counter with glass and nautical features.

The former landlady Nicola Pooke vacated the building in July and Mr Stiles used the late summer period to test the waters.

He said: "It was evident from just opening for that short time that the pub wasn't attracting enough custom and needed some new life."

The programme of works has included sanding down the original bar to be replaced with a cladded design and a metal and glass rope feature behind.

There will also be new furniture including tables to accommodate up to 50 people, with glass shields between some to make it Covid-19 safe.

The toilets will be revamped and two double rooms upstairs will be refurbished by Easter.

James Stiles has stripped the inside of the Port Arms removing old carpet and furniture.

Mr Stiles said: "It's going to have a nautical and seaside theme with a modern, fresh feel."

The kitchen will offer small plates and snacks with options such as charcuterie and cheeseboards.

Mr Stiles is working all hours to ensure it is ready for the easing of lockdown and ready for reopening on December 3.

Once fully reopened, the business will create between 12 and 15 new jobs.

He said: "The industry requires hardwork but I enjoy putting smiles on peoples' faces and creating a nice atmosphere for people to have a good time. That's the reward for me.

"We're excited to be delivering another quality establishment in the town and look forward to welcoming old and new faces."

From the Dover Mercury, 16 December, 2020. By Eleanor Perkins.

£50k revamp planned as James takes over pub.

A son is following in his father’s footsteps after securing a tenancy on a well-known pub and launching a £50,000 refurbishment.

James Stiles has been running the "King’s Head" in Deal on behalf of his dad Graham Stiles for almost 10 years.

Having picked up all the experience he needs, the 32-year-old is now embarking on a journey of his own, taking over neighbouring seafront establishment the "Port Arms" with a five-year agreement with El Group.

But his investment in the property would suggest the publican intends to make the venue a long term success - mirroring the efforts of his dad who has been a landlord in the town for four decades.

He is injecting £50,000 into transforming the watering hole, working alongside Gerald Wilton Design who have previously worked on the "Coastguard" in St Margaret’s Bay and the "Zetland" in Kingsdown.

The current lockdown is proving the ideal time to conduct the works, giving it a modem nautical theme ready to welcome new customers for the festive season.

Mr. Stiles, who was 23 when he returned from four years as a transfer driver in The Alps to help his dad at the "King’s Head," said:- "I’ve had an excellent 10 years with the "Kings Head" and we’re very lucky we’ve got some great managers who work alongside us."

But this new opportunity was a no brainer.

"The location of the building has to be one of the best in Deal, with its views of the sea and the patio outside the front," he said.

"It was destined to be boarded up. We knew that meant steel sheets all over the place and that wouldn’t have been a good look.

"My dad encouraged me to go for it and it ties everything together nicely.

"The two pubs will run in conjunction with each other. The idea is that they complement each other."

The former landlady Nicola Pooke vacated the building in July and Mr. Stiles used the late summer period to test the waters.

He said:- "It was evident from just opening for that short time that the pub wasn’t attracting enough custom and needed some new life."

The programme of works has included sanding down the original bar to be replaced with a cladded design and a metal and glass rope feature behind.

There will also be new furniture including tables to accommodate up to 50 people, with glass shields between some to make it Covid-19 safe.

The toilets will be revamped and two double rooms upstairs will be refurbished by Easter.

Mr. Stiles said:- "It’s going to have a nautical and seaside theme with a modern, fresh feel."

The kitchen will offer small plates and snacks with options such as charcuterie and cheese-boards.
Mr Stiles is working all hours to ensure it is ready for the easing of lockdown and ready for reopening on December 3.

Once fully reopened, the business will create between 12 and 15 new jobs.

He said:- "The industry requires hard work but I enjoy putting smiles on peoples’ faces and creating a nice atmosphere for people to have a good time. That’s the reward for me.

"We’re excited to be delivering another quality establishment in the town and look forward to welcoming old and new faces."

LICENSEE LIST

MULLETT/MALLETT William 1672+