Posted: 13th May 2016
Official Launch For The Coastguard After £250,000 Makeover
Dozens of guests attended the official launch event for seaside pub restaurant The Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay near Dover on Wednesday, May 11.
Dating back more than 300 years, The Coastguard boasts panoramic sea views across the small bay, and is Britain’s nearest pub to France. It was officially taken over by Shepherd Neame in January, and then closed for an extensive four month refurbishment, costing £250,000. In keeping with its enviable seafront position, The Coastguard’s new look is inspired by maritime heritage, with red and white lighthouse-style pub fascia and signwriting, complete with boat-shaped planters and lifebuoys as decoration. An outside bar and barbecue have also been installed, along with outdoor feature ‘living room’ lamps.
The interior of the pub has been completely refurbished, repainted in contemporary colours with a new fireplace installed. There is also new lighting and furniture and more nautical decoration throughout.
The kitchen has also been completely refitted, and licensees Karensa and Tom Miller have introduced a new menu comprising a varied menu of light bites and traditional main meals, with seafood a speciality due to the coastal location.
Local dignitaries and residents were invited to the launch celebration, with the first pint pulled by Jamie Clark, 25, who has always lived in St Margaret’s Bay and was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch in 2012. Jamie, who has Down’s Syndrome, works for Elham Valley Vineyard and is also an ambassador for Pegasus Playscheme, a local charity supporting children with severe and complex disabilities, chaired by his mum Sue Clark.
Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame attended the launch event, and to mark the occasion presented Sue and Jamie with a £500 cheque for the charity. He also gave Jamie an engraved pewter tankard.
Jonathan Neame said:
The Coastguard is in a spectacular seaside location, and we are confident that following our investment in the site, it will prove a popular destination for residents and visitors to the area.
For more information visit the pub's website or call 01304 853051.