From the Dover Mercury, 29 October, 2015.

Beer shop made many bids to win 'on' licence.

Deal Lugger beer shop for many years had no sign until William Chinnock took over.

The beer shop without a sign. That was how the locals referred to the Deal Lugger beer shop before if actually got its name in 1922.

The property, in Farrier Street, Deal, was described as the first house on the south side of the junction with Middle Street, and is now a private residence.

But from 1832, Richard Robinson “retailer of beer” was the first alcohol related person to be mentioned in the property’s history.

The Old Pubs of Deal and Walmer (With Kingsdown and Mongeham) by Steve Glover and Michael Rogers, says the house always owned just a beer ‘off licence despite many applications for an ‘on’ licence.

In 1841 and 1949, Stephen Thompson was listed as being resident of number 10 Farrier Street. His address was latterly given as 19 Farrier Street, showing how the street numbering had changed in that time.

Proprietors include a Miss Firkins in 1898 among others who are unlisted.

Under the occupation of William Frederick Chinnock, the name Deal Lugger Beerhouse appeared by name on the front of the property. Before then, it was appropriately named the beer shop without a sign.

Despite still not being able to sell beer on the premises, the name Deal Lugger Beerhouse was still being used in 1924 under the ownership of William Allaway.

Two years later, it was also known as a general store with the same proprietor.

In June 1952, the licence was transferred from Mrs M Crawford to the landlord of the "Mill Inn" pub, Andrew Morgan, whose daughter and son-in-law stepped up to manage his new acquisition.

The business carried on until 1966 when Mr H. Sissons was registered at the property.

Now a private house, it lies in the popular conservation area.