POWELL ARMS Pub of Birchington

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Birchington, August, 2025.

Page Updated:- Tuesday, 26 August, 2025.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1836-

(Name from)

Powell Arms

Closed Mar 2023

11 The Square

(Brooks End Farm 1841)

Birchington-on-Sea

01843 842777

https://whatpub.com/powell

Above postcard, circa 1900. Kindly supplied by Rory Kehoe. Also showing the "New Inn" on the right.

Above postcard, circa 1905.

Above photo, circa 1911, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. A wintery view of Station Road, taken from the Market Square, with the corner of the pub just in shot. The Ales & Stout being advertised would have been brewed by Cobb's Margate Brewery.

Above photograph showing a stall set up outside the "Powell Arms," circa 1912.

Above postcard, circa 1913, kindly sent by Shaun Gardiner.

Above photo, circa 1913, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Also showing the "New Inn" on the right.

Above photograph circa 1922.

Above photograph circa 1922.

Above photo, circa 1923. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, date unknown.

Above photo pre 1937.

Above postcard, circa 1937, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. At the time this photograph was taken, the pub was a tied house within the estate of Cobb's Margate Brewery. This remained the case until 1968, when Whitbread's snapped up Cobb's and closed their brewery, which could chart its history all the way back to 1673.

Above postcard, 1945, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, 1947. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, circa 1950, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above pictures from Google maps, 2009.

Powell Arms sign May 1986

Above with thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com

Above photo taken by Paul Skelton, 9th November 2013.

Above photo 2023. Yellow box now a defibrillator.

Above photo, 2024. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

I believe this is the earliest Inn in the village, but not sure just how old. I believe that it was previously called the "Quex New Inn."

One time Cobbs tied house. Cobbs were founded in 1673, but Whitbread took them over early 1968 and closed the brewery later that year.

Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 12 April 1836.

BIRCHINGTON WORKHOUSE, THANET, TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION.

By Mr. R. Jenkins, At the "Powell's Arms," in Birchington, on Thursday, 14th April instant, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon precisely, under the authority and by order of the Board of Guardians of the Isle of Thanet Union, (subject to such conditions as will be then and there produced.)

All that substantial Brick Built House and Manufactory, heretofore known as Birchington Workhouse, forming at present Two distinct Houses, but convertible at a small expense into Four convenient dwellings, together with the Large Enclosed Garden, Yard and Out Offices in the rear, and Land adjoining in front as marked out, comprising Half an Acre, little more or less.

For particulars apply at the Office of Mr. M. L. Daniel, Solicitor, Queen-street, Ramsgate or at the Auctioneer's, 52, Hawley Square, Margate.

Kentish Gazette 24 May 1842.

DIED.

May 12. Of a violent affection of the brain, aged 28, Mary, wife of Mr. John Wilson, and only daughter of the late Mr. George Duffell, of the "Powell Arms Inn," Birchington.

South Eastern Gazette, 29 May, 1860.

BIRCHINGTON.

An inquest was held on Thursday last, at the "Powell Arms," on the body of Thos. Thorp, aged 70, who was found dead in a stable; he had been indulging in drink for several days previously. Verdict, "That deceased died from natural causes."

From the Kentish Chronicle, 1 December, 1860.

ISLE OF THANET AGRICULTDEAL ASSOCIATION.

The ploughing match took place on Friday, in a field in Birchington, belonging to Mr. A. Collard. There were 40 ploughs in the field. The judges expressed their opinion that it was the best work they had ever seen. After the regular match was concluded a match took place between two amateurs, Mr. A. Gillow, St. Nicholas, and Mr. Harnett, Chilton. The judges, as the work was done so equally, decided upon it being considered a "surprise." The match caused no little excitement among some 300 persons present, a large number of them being ploughmen, and it has given rise to a sweep-stake of £1 each, open to gentlemen amateurs in the Isle of Thanet, to plough with four horses, after the usual match, another year, each taking his quarter of an acre. There will also be a sweepstakes of 10s. each, open to the Isle of Thanet, for the production of the best mangel wurzel. The prizes were distributed to the successful competitors by S. Swinford, Esq., who addressed them in some well-chosen remarks. The judges and some dozen other gentlemen afterwards repaired to the "Powell's Arms," where they partook of an excellent spread. Mr. Palmer occupied the chair, Mr. W. Gillow officiating as vice-chairman. In noticing the efforts to establish a root show, Mr. Gillow remarked upon the large number exhibited a short time back at the Nonington meeting; he also dwelt upon the great good of such matches as they had witnessed that day.

From the Thanet Advertiser, Saturday 21 January, 1865.

Accidents.

On Thursday evening week a person in the employ of Mr. Wilson, of the "Powell's Arms," Birchington, was driving a horse and cart down the High Street, being at the time in liquor, his card came in contact with a horse and cart standing at the shop of Mr. Crickett, pork-butcher, unloading some pigs. Mr. Crickett was standing at the horse's head at the time, and so violent was the collision, that it pitched out Mr. Wilson's man to the opposite pavement, sobering him and damaging the cart considerably. Mr. Crickett was thrown against one of the plate glass windows of Mr. J. Robinson, grocer, breaking it, the damage done to the window is estimated at £12, which Mr. Wilson has agreed to pay, besides having to make good the damage done of his own cart.

From the Kentish Gazette, 8 December 1868.

COUNTY NEWS. BIRCHINGTON. A Publican's QUARREL.

At the Cinque Ports police court, Margate, on Wednesday, before Thomas Blackburn, Esq G. E. Hannam, Esq., and T. H. Keble, Esq. Mr. William Hayward, licensed victualler, of Birchington, (Acorn) was summoned for having committed an assault upon Mr. Oliver Wanstall, also a publican of the same parish.

Mr. Towne appeared for complainant; and Mr. Delasaux, of Canterbury, for the defendant. Mr. Towne, in opening the case, stated that the parties were near neighbours, and that the dispute had, so far as he could tell, originated on account of a jealous feeling on the part of the defendant, because Mr. Wanstall did a better trade then he did.

The Chairman suggested that it would be better if a settlement could be come to without hearing the evidence.

Mr. Delasaux said his client was quite ready to shake hands and let the matter end, if the complainant was willing.

Mr. Towne said his client would assent to that course on condition of defendant paying the costs.

Mr. Delasaux said he could not think of doing that, as he had a complete answer to the case.

Mr. Towne:- Then it must be gone in with. It was all very well for his friend to talk about shaking hands, but the defendant should not have shook his fist.

The following evidence was taken:—

Complainant said:- I am landlord of a public-house at Birchington. On the 19th ult., about twenty minutes before twelve at night, the defendant came to my house, and when he saw me he said you are the man I want. He took hold of me, and threw me across the passage. He then pulled out his purse, and offered to fight me for as many sovereigns as there was in the purse. He caught hold of both my arms, and "slewed" me across the room, and wanted to fight. I asked him to go home. I had had no previous words with him. I believe he was sober.

Cross-examined:- Had ridden home from Margate with him that evening, and was very comfortable with him; did not know of any other cause for what defendant had done then jealousy.

A witness was called who gave corroborative testimony, and after Mr. Delasaux had addressed the Bench two witnesses were called for the defence, but their statements were not of such a character as to shake the cause for the complainant.

Fined 2s. 6d. and 14s. costs.

I believe the following account has incorrectly been reported as being the "Royal Arms" when it in fact refers to the "Powell Arms." Paul Skelton.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 16 October, 1885. 1d.

QUARTER SESSIONS

The Recorder in the course of his remarks to the Grand Jury said that he was pleased to tell them that there was only one case for their consideration, the charge against a man for obtaining £30 by false pretensions. The case was a very simple one. It appeared that the man went to Mr. Milgate, landlord of the “Royal Arms, Birchington, in the Liberties of Dover, and asked him to cash a cheque for £30. Mr. Millgate gave him £5 down at once, and on the following day advanced the £25. The prisoner then made some excuse and left the place. The prosecutor sent the cheque to the bank and it was returned with the words “no account” marked on it. Formerly the prisoner had an account with the London and City Bank, Victoria Street. The account was closed in April of last year, and on the 19th of July £200 was put into the bank, and on the 1st of Oct. last prisoner owed the bank 4s. 1d. On the 19th of Oct. that sum was entered in the pass book, and the account was closed. Prisoner represented that he had money at the bank for the purpose of meeting the cheque when it was presented. The simple question was whether this man had obtained the money by false pretensions. That was the only case for their consideration that day, and that was from the Liberties. There had only been four cases of larceny that the Magistrates had had to deal with since the last sessions. They had no jurisdiction over cases where money had been obtained by false pretences and therefore it was sent to the Quarter Sessions.

The Grand Jury then retired and the following were sworn on the Petty Jury:- W. Davis, J. Cochrane, T. Day, W. H. Davis, A. J. Emery, H. Adams, F. Crosoer, C. H. Datlin, G. Curling, A. Dunn, E. C. Chittenden, D. Allen, and T. Clancey.

Frederick Rehbam, a family tutor, and a man who appeared to have been engaged in noblemen's families, was placed at the bar charged with obtaining £30 by false pretences. The Grand Jury found a true bill in this case.

Mr. Forbes Moss, instructed by Mr. W. Hills, solicitor, of Margate, appeared to defend the prisoner, and Mr. A. J. Matthews, instructed by Mr. S. W. Churlchley, solicitor, of Margate, appeared for the prosecution.

Mr. Edward Milgate, landlord of the “Royal Arms,” Birchington, said he had known the prisoner for two years. About two years ago prisoner had a dinner at his house. Prisoner also called on the 5th August about eleven o'clock, and said he had another child and wanted another christening in the church and then a dinner like the previous one two years since. Witness said he would see about it. Prisoner did not sleep at prosecutor's house, but was recommended to some lodgings at Birchington. Prisoner then said that he wanted some money and asked prosecutor if he would change a cheque for £30. the prosecutor being intimate with the prisoner handed him £5, all he could spare on that day, and on the following morning prisoner was handed the remaining £25 in gold in exchange for the cheque which was drawn from the Westminster Branch of the London and County Bank. Prosecutor put in the cheque the same day at a Margate Bank, and it was returned on the 10th marked “no account.” On the 18th August prosecutor received a letter from the prisoner Hammersmith, the purport of which was that he went to the post-office after obtaining the money from prosecutor and there found a letter from his nurse stating that their child, which he had spoken about, was very ill and would he and his wife return home immediately. He would not make any more arrangements yet about the dinner. Prisoner further added in the letter that to his greatest consternation he had that day found the amount which should have been paid into the bank to his credit had not been paid. He had spent some of the money he had received from prosecutor and therefore would not be able to remit him the money at present, but it should have his early attention. The prosecutor then consulted his solicitor, and a warrant was issued for the prisoner's apprehension.

In his cross-examination prosecutor said he had not known the prisoner for more than two years. He was not at all satisfied with the prisoner. The money he had changed for the cheque, he had obtained by hard work. He knew nothing of the child's illness beyond what the letter said. He did not know that the child had since died until he heard it stated in court.

Hannah Milgate, wife of the prosecutor, and who was present with him when the prisoner was at the house corroborated.

George James Green, chief Clerk at the Westminster branch of the London and County Bank, said he knew the prisoner, as having had an account with them. He produced a copy of a portion of his account taken from July 19th, 1884, when £200 was paid in. No other money had been paid in since that date. On the 23rd September, 1884, there was only £13 15s. 11d. There was then a cheque later for £13 15s., leaving a balance of 11d. Fiver shillings per quarter is charged by the bank for keeping the accounts. The quarter payments were due of the 29th of September and left a balance against the prisoner of 4s. 1d., which he now owed the bank. No other accounts had been paid in since by the prisoner and the account was closed. The cheque produced was presented at the bank and marked “no account” and returned to the prosecutor.

Police-sergeant A. Holland, of the Kent County Constabulary, gave evidence to apprehending the prisoner, who in answer to the charge said “All right, I have a clear answer.”

Mr. Forbes Mosse then addressed the Jury, after which, by the learned Recorder's permission, the prisoner gave a somewhat lengthy speech to the Jury, saying that he intended paying the money to prosecutor. He was in a high position, and, engaged as he was, it was sometimes difficult to get the money due from gentlemen in whose services he had been engaged. He had been private secretary to a nobleman when in town, and handed in a list of names of persons of rank in whose services he had been. The reason he came to Margate was to look out for a house where his family might live for a time. Since this affair he had sold all his furniture at London.

After the learned Recorder had summed up, the Jury consulted together in the box for a few minutes and returned a verdict of “Guilty.”

The Recorder said that he quite agreed with the verdict of the Jury, but taking into consideration the prisoner had been custody since the 15th of August last he would only pass a sentence of two calendar months' imprisonment, the lowest sentence he could pass.

Rhyl Record and Advertiser 05 January 1895.

A distressing suicide took place at the "Powell Arms," Birchington, near Margate, on Christmas Day. The landlord, Thomas Swan, shortly after opening the house at half-past twelve, bade some of his customers good-bye, and before anyone could stop him he threw himself into a cesspool. Before the body could be recovered life was extinct.

Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette 02 February 1907.

From the LONDON GAZETTE, Friday, January 25.

THE BANKRUPTCY ACTS, 1883 AND 1890.

RECEIVING ORDERS. CANTERBURY.

William Hogben, "Powell Arms," Birchington-on-Sea, Licensed Victualler.

From The Advertiser, Friday 7 June, 1935.

MUSIC LICENSES.

Margate magistrates, on Wednesday, granted music and dancing licenses in respect of the "Bay Hotel," the "Powell Arms," the "Beresford Hotel," the "Bungalow Hotel," and the "New Inn," Birchington.

Thanet Advertiser, 27 September 1940.

L.Vs. NEW SECRETARY.

At a meeting of the Thanet Licensed Retailers Protection Society at Margate on Thursday Mr. Alfred Finch of the "Powell Arms," Birchington, was elected secretary in succession to the late Alderman P. B. Osborne of Margate.

Councillor W. G. Love, of the "Woodman," Ramsgate, had also been nominated but Mr. Finch was elected by 16 votes to 9.

The post is to be an honorary one but an honorarium will be granted by the society at the end of the year.

Mr. F. Johnson of the "Wheatsheaf," St. Peter's, was appointed as trustee in place of Mr. Finch and Councillor Love was appointed auditor.

Paying tribute to Alderman Osborne. Mr. E. C. Nash, treasurer, said he had done everything possible to assist members to overcome their wartime problems. He had left everything in apple-pie order and even on the day of his death had written letters on behalf of the Society.

The building can be dated to circa 1840 but Barry J White suggests that previous to this it was called the "New Inn." That is certainly not the same as the one mentioned above, as that's on the opposite side of the road. Further research suggests that this is actually referring to the "Quex New Inn."

From an email received, 19 January, 2017.

Hi. I have two book ends carved out of a oak beam from the Powell Arms, Birchington Kent with some history of the pub on the reverse side, they were carved by D Murry in 1949 when the pub was renovated. The beam was dated 1749, my grandfather bought them in 1960 and my Nan gave them to me when he died in 1964. We both came from Birchington and he often had a pint there too.

Regards Maureen Sperinck.

Information received from Michael Mirams tells me the pub was closed and is now boarded up as of December 2014. He now tells me (December 2016) that it has reopened and is operating as bars and a restaurant.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Millie Bowles, 10 March 2023.

The Powell Arms pub in Birchington-on-Sea under fire for cashless policy.

A pub's new owners have announced they are going cashless, prompting an outcry from residents who have vowed to boycott the venue.

The Powell Arms in Birchington-on-Sea, which reopened under new management yesterday, confirmed on Facebook only card payments will be accepted.

Owner of The Powell, Birchington, Byron Hayter with business partner Dhvani Patel. Picture: Byron Hayter.

The decision was taken to "protect staff" according to owner Byron Hayter.

But the policy has been branded "utterly disgraceful", with one local vowing: "I will never return to your premises again".

Others have called for people to "boycott this business" in The Square.

Villager Daisy O'Donnell said: "Of all the places I wouldn’t have chosen to do this is the village of Birchington - a place where almost everyone still uses cash."

Resident Morena Sanguigni added: "I won’t be coming.

"I used to be a regular visitor a few times a week for food, but now there's absolutely no way.

"There’s lots of elderly in the village who prefer to use cash.

"Very disappointing."

Lisa Stanley, another villager, added: "Oh well, we won’t be going there again.

"If my cash is not good enough, I will take it somewhere where it is welcomed.

"There are plenty of other businesses that want to stay open."

Another social media user commented: "Utterly disgraceful!

"There's lots of other places to spend my cash fortunately.

"I hope you don't live to regret this ridiculous decision."

Another added: "If you go out of business you've only got yourself to blame."

Someone else called the decision "business suicide".

However, owner Mr Hayter said there was a "good reception" to the policy at the pub's opening yesterday, which was an "amazing night".

He told KentOnline: "The biggest reason for going card-only was staff safety as it reduced the temptation for theft.

"It also makes life easier.

"It will be easier when cashing up at night."

He insists there will be no minimum spend on transactions for punters wanting to pop in for a quick drink.

The 38-year-old also owns seafood restaurant Chapmans in Canterbury, and took up the new venture with business partner Dhvani Patel.

He said: "Food is the best part of life and opening The Powell is about bringing the heart back into the community."

KentOnline's pub spy The Secret Drinker visited last year, and rated the venue highly under the previous owners - noting the older clientèle.

The inn will be serving "traditional British food with a Byron twist", with the menu changing every two weeks.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Chris Britcher, 2 March 2025.

Powell Arms pub in Birchington closes again less than two years after grand reopening.

A landmark village pub - which enraged locals by not accepting cash - has closed down.

The Powell Arms on The Square in Birchington, had only reopened less than two years ago.

But the pub has now shut up shop, leaving regulars wondering what lies in store for the prominent building.

In March 2023, Byron Hayter and business partner Dhvani Patel - who pulled out of the business later that year and is no longer involved - reopened the pub but revealed it was only to accept card payments.

But the policy was branded "utterly disgraceful", with one local vowing: "I will never return to your premises again".

Others called for people to "boycott this business" in The Square.

Mr Hayter - who also runs seafood restaurant Chapman’s of Canterbury - defended the decision at the time, saying: "The biggest reason for going card-only was staff safety as it reduced the temptation for theft.

"It also makes life easier when cashing up at night."

Speculation on social media suggests the building’s owner may return to reopen the venue as pub - but nothing has yet been confirmed. It is believed the lease for the pub had reached its end and was not renewed, prompting the closure.

Mr Hayter also ran the "Tyler’s Kiln" pub, near Canterbury - but that reign lasted only a year before it shut in November.

The closure comes just days after a former employee was sentenced to life in jail for the brutal murder of Claire Knights.

Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss, 21, had worked at the pub but had been caught using his phone to film under another woman's skirt at the venue 24 hours before he committed his savage crime. Pub bosses had sacked him and reported it to police.

Closed in March 2023 this re-opened again in July 2025.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Secret Drinker, 22 August 2025.

Secret Drinker reviews The Powell Arms, The Square, Birchington.

Last I heard, The Powell pub had closed down after it stopped taking hard cash and had subsequently been boycotted by the grey brigade living out their retirement in Birchington.

Mrs SD and I were passing on our way to a restaurant in Margate but when I saw the lights were back on at this yo-yo establishment, I persuaded her we should take a look.

It's open again, The Powell Arms in Birchington is the village's oldest pub and the regulars are delighted to see it back in action.

The doors here open and close faster than Donald Trump changes his mind, and the oldest pub in the village has had a more chequered past than a draughts board.

I last visited in the middle of 2022 and it’s closed down several times since. The last occasion saw it shut until February this year – when its staff refused anything but card payments.

There are still cubicles containing a payphone and a defibrillator outside (useful in a place with such a hefty average age) and inside everything looked exactly the same as it did three years ago as well.

It really does look as if one owner closes the door and the next simply reopens without changing anything.

However, there were shocks awaiting us at the bar: 1. The kitchen was closed as the cook was away at a wedding and 2. Wine is not served in large measures.

There was never any competition at the pumps, I was always going to choose a pint of Wantsum ale over a Doom Bar.

Mrs SD was peckish so number 1 was disappointing, but when she heard the new landlord Matt (a wine merchant) doesn’t believe there should be any more than a medium wine in a glass, I nearly had to pick her up off the floor!

The barmaids both expressed their sympathy at our rumbling tums and her enforced wine diet so we took our pint of Wantsum 1381 IPA and 175m of Spanish Sauvignon and headed for a table by the door in the snug.

Here, Mrs SD, who pays attention to such things, noted none of the furniture or the decorations have changed during the on-off, open-close history of this place.

There’s no pool table, no dartboard, no jukebox or even any TV screens but there is an interesting metal ramp, presumably to aid the access of disabled folk, which seems to operate something like a ski ramp.

I watched on in fascination as loads of customers skidded into the pub narrowly avoiding falling A over T.

That no-one landed on their rear end was a miracle, and this was in dry weather - gawd knows what it will be like if we ever get any rain, then the disabled folk will be created rather than catered for.

There's a large outdoor seating area at the front of the pub with plenty of picnic tables available.

These three, or should I say four, had popped in for a pint and chose to sit outside. The pooch had pride of place in the centre of the table.

There were far fewer old folk in than our previous visit and the customer age base was far more varied – I noted the topic of conversation on the large table next to us moved from whether Van Dyke was good enough to allow Liverpool an unbeaten run this season to the various merits of Olivia Rodrigo, though it did return to type when it shifted to where you can buy a decent enema locally?

Putting aside the temporarily closed kitchen and wine portions, there is much to be said for The Powell reopening again (and again).

Birchington needs its oldest pub, both barmaids seem decent sorts and the younger one was particularly sparky.

The toilets look good and may be the freshest smelling yet, there was even a dab of aftershave available in a small bottle in the gents.

Clean and fresh smelling, I even spotted a small bottle of aftershave available in the gents.

The writing's on the wall, from what I could see none of the furniture or the decorations have changed since the pub closed down.

Okay, the wine could, and should, be served cooler and the smoke really wafts in through the door but by 8.30 on a Saturday evening it had really filled up and the atmosphere was buzzing.

Out front there’s a decent-sized seating area which spreads across the pavement and a few hardier folk were taking advantage of a cooler breeze.

One group of three had perched their hound right in the centre of their picnic table and were chatting above its head.

It had been too busy for barmaid #1 to devour the ‘wonderful’ Marmite sandwich on tiger bread that she’d brought with her but she still reckoned it would be a lot better than the crisps we were munching.

At this point, I told her I’d decided she could keep her sandwich as we were going to try the Indian restaurant up the road, Flavours by Kumar, and she asked me to let her know what it’s like.

It wasn't in action during our visit but there is a good-sized dining room.

So, I can report it’s one of the very best Indian restaurants we’ve ever tried, and in between what we chose off the menu we were also served several great free dishes.

Queuing at the bar for a second drink and discussing The Powell’s future viability, several regulars were more than happy, and speedy, in offering their views on its up and down past.

I just hope it manages to stay open longer than it has previously and continues to serve Wantsum ales, they can do what they like with the wine as far as I’m concerned.

Décor: We couldn’t see anything that’s changed since we last visited three years ago and everything still feels in decent nick. I still think it feels slightly manufactured but Mrs SD approves of all the knick-knacks. ****

Drink: The 3.8 per cent Wantsum 1381 is a decent session IPA and the medium sized Spanish sauvignon was ‘okay’. Mrs SD preferred her second medium wine which was a Cortefresca rose but still reckoned both could be served cooler. ***

Price: Medium wine one was £5.70, wine number two (rose) was £6.30. The Wantsum 1381 was £4.80 a pint. I’m not sure it was right but we were charged £1.50 for two packets of Pipers crisps. ****

Staff: Barmaid #1 was on good form, despite the kitchen being closed and having to resort to a Marmite sandwich. Barmaid #2 has clearly been working here longer and even said her sister owns the building – they were both good operators. ****

LICENSEE LIST

PINKER Robert 1841-51+ (age 68 in 1851)

DUFFELL George pre 1842

WILSON John 1858-67+ (widow age 54 in 1861)