Thanet Times, Tuesday 6 May 1969.

ENGLAND cricket captain Colin Cowdrey drew the first pint to be served at the Northdown - Thanet's newest pub — when he performed the opening ceremony on Wednesday.

The single bar pub, which has an off licence and general shop adjoining, is the latent addition to the Northdown Park Estate.

Mr. Cowdrey handed the first foaming pint to Mr. W. A. Ellis, managing director of Tamplins Brewery Ltd. a member of the Watney Mann group of companies.

The popular Kent and England cricketer said it was an unusual occasion for him, as he had never opened a pub before. But for 20 years during Canterbury and Folkestone cricket weeks he had lived "literally along the road" from the Northdown.

Congratulating everyone concerned in "creating this lovely place" he said it was going to bring a great deal of pleasure.

"HAPPY INNINGS."

He wished Watneys and the tenants, Mr and Mrs Thomas Welch "a very happy innings" and presented them with a smalt cricket bat signed by the English team.

Mr. Cowdrey and Mr. F. G Mann a director of Watney Mann who was well known as the Middlesex cricketer and captain of the MCC party touring South Africa in the 1948-49 season, were introduced to the guests, who included members of the council and local justices of the peace by Mr. Ellis.

The new premises have been built by Property Estates Development Ltd - for the Watney Mann group, under the direction of Tamplins. The architects were Messrs. J Wood and Partners, of Bromley, and furnishings by John Perrings Ltd. of Knightsbridge.

"Mine hosts," Mr and Mrs. Welch have come to Margate from Sittingbourne Mr. Welch, a former Royal Navy chief petty officer, was until recently in charge of the naval team at the Royal Tournament each year.

The single bar has been specially designed to promote a friendly and comfortable atmosphere in which people can enjoy good food and drink.