DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Maidstone, March, 2024.

Page Updated Maidstone:- Friday, 29 March, 2024.
PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1980s

 Ferryman Tavern

Open 2014+

Broadway

Maidstone

01622 751841

Former Freeyman Tavern.

Above photo, date unknown, showing what is now the Thai Orchid, the location of the Ferryman Tavern.
Ferryman Tavern sign 1994

Above sign 1994.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.
Ferryman match box

Above matchbox, date unknown, kindly sent by Debi Birkin.

 

Jeffery East tells me that there used to be a ferryman who rowed passengers across the Medway to the market near the pub to save time crossing the bridge. There was a competition to give the future pub a name and a local came up with The Ferryman in honour of the above.

Opened in the early 1980s, but now unfortunately closed and operating as the Thai Orchid.

When first opened this was probably the most expensive pub in the Maidstone area, charging 68p a pint when the rest were only charging 45p. CAMRA campaigned to get their prices reduced, saying that they were charging London prices.

 

Thanet Times, Tuesday 17 October 1989.

Another recent acquisition this year has been the "Ferryman," a pub formerly run by Chef and Brewer, which stands next to the river and Courthouse at Maidstone.

"Stop press news is that only this week we have been granted planning permission to carry out major alterations to the pub," Frank said. (Frank Thorley owner of Thorley Taverns.)

"When complete the pub will will be renamed "Rumpoles" - a name conjured up by a certain rotund local solicitor and good friend, Mr. Jerome Dillon!"

 

LICENSEE LIST

 

If anyone should have any further information, or indeed any pictures or photographs of the above licensed premises, please email:-
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LINK to http://www.kentphotoarchive.com/