The Prince Albert pub in Alfred Square - by Dave Hatton 2009.

From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 18 March, 2010.

BEER HOUSE AT A BUSTLING TURNING POINT FOR COACHES

By Steve Glover and Michael Rogers."

A PRIME example of an original humble beer house in Deal comes under the spotlight in this week's Now and Then.

The "Prince Albert" pub in Middle Street, Deal, is a fine instance although the building has been added to at various stages through a number of years.

Its deeds date back to 1717 and its garden land once stretched all the way down to Lower Street (now the High Street) before the buildings in Alfred Square were erected.

William Riley added 'beer retailer' to his occupation as 'marine store dealer' in 1855 when he ran a busy house in what would then have been a run-down and disreputable part of town. It was on the corner of Alfred Square which, in those days, was a bustling turning point for horse-drawn coaches, as well as being full of shops.

The aptly-named brewer George Beer supplied the house from 1864 when it became known as the "Prince Albert" and gained a full licence. Riley served until the late 1880s when magistrates referred to him as "a lunatic" and adjourned the relicensing session.

Mr and Mrs Baker were later installed and served throughout the 1890s. George 'Cash' Erridge had a long stay from 1907 until 1940.

Tony and Chrissie Hopkin ran the pub from the 1980s until 2002 when current owners Michael Harlick and Colin Vurley took over. According to them (and to previous landlords) an occasional poltergeist makes its presence known, especially when old photos are moved or renovations are carried out to the building!

The modern pub has one bar and a restaurant, although it originally comprised three smaller separate bars.

The "Prince Albert" is the cornerstone of the local community and is a free house.

From the East Kent Mercury, 16 April 2015.

Hoodeners raise £2,500 for unsung carer heroes.

The Deal Hoodeners raised £2,500 for the Deal Carers Support Group during its, Christmas collection.

The merry lot presented a cheque to chief executive Jill Atwell at the "Prince Albert Pub" in Deal, where the morris side practise weekly.

Mrs Atwell said the money would be invaluable in providing facilities and support for the unsung carer heroes of Deal.

Hoodeners bagman Jane Philpott said:- "We would like to thank everyone in and around Deal who, yet again, contributed so generously."

The Hoodeners also took the opportunity to thank Bill Howarth, who gives his time and energy as a caller at their barn dances, by presenting him with an engraved tankard.

Mrs Philpott said:- "His leadership and encouragement through the dances always ensures everyone has a great evening's entertainment."

In addition to the Christmas collection in the streets of Deal and Sandwich, which this year raised a record amount, the group are committed to fundraising throughout the year with a variety of barn dances, wassailing, music festivals, harvest suppers, retirement home performances and private functions.

The highlight of the Hoodeners' calendar is always the concert for the RNLI during Deal Folk by the Sea weekend in September. They have also got a CD on sale, A Hoodening Year, with a selection of traditional tunes and songs.

The proceeds from sales of the disc all go to the Hoodeners' charity of the year, which this year is the Deal branch of Guide Dogs.

From the East Kent Mercury, 16 July 2015.

Fundraiser aids Ugandan school for deaf.

Guests at the charity dinner at the Prince Albert Pub in Deal.

The education of deaf children in Uganda will be improved thanks to £1,200 raised at a charity dinner in Deal.

The function, at the "Prince Albert" pub in Middle Street, saw cash donations during and before.

The money will help 220 pupils at the Uganda School for the Deaf, which is based in Ntinda on the outskirts of Kampala. The school needs important equipment to help it function more effectively.

The wish list includes two 1,000-litre water tanks to capture rainwater during the rainy seasons and seeds for edible plants for the extensive gardens, which will teach the children how to grow food for nutrition.

Rubbish bins are also needed to keep the school tidy while teaching pupils about picking up waste.

Andrew Moore, who attending the dinner, said:- "This very enjoyable evening means that one water tank can now be purchased together with wheelie bins and seeds.

"We are now working to raise the money for the second water tank."