The Two Brewers

Whitstable. Widely recognized as the oldest public house in Whitstable, dating back to around 1500. It began as two separate farm cottages alongside an old thoroughfare connecting London and Dover to Whitstable. In 1690 the cottages were purchased by Thomas Potts, who converted the cottages into a coaching inn complete with stables. The original stables can still be seen on the left side of the pubs car park. In 1731 it was leased by brewer Thomas Tribe, who originated from St. Dunstan's, Canterbury. By the late 18th century it was operated by local brewer John Curtis, and subsequently by John Abbott of Thanet in 1785. In 1825 it was taken over by Rest Flint of Flint & Co., a prominent Canterbury based brewery. Both the main and side bars still retain original windows incised with the Flint's Brewery name. The name "Two Brewers" is derived from a traditional English pub sign depicting two workers carrying a barrel slung between them on a shoulder pole.

One of the pubs most eccentric chapters occurred in the 20th century under the guidance of Arthur Bertram, who held the license for 32 years. Arthur was a well known West End theatre manager who for years had run the Savoy Theatre alongside H.B. Irving. He brought a piece of Londons's theatrical history to the pub: the set of stage bells used by legendary actor Sir Henry Irving to play Mephistopheles in "Faust" were installed in the pub's garden and used to sound the daily opening time for the pub.

Inside there are several spacious rooms surrounding the large main bar and the smaller side bar. But the main attraction for me was the beautiful garden. I was happy to find my old favorite Ghost Ship Pale Ale from Adnams Brewery in Southwold. Enjoying it in the middle of this gorgeous garden was a great ending to my day in Whitstable.