THREE TUNS Pub of Lower Halstow

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Saturday, 11 September, 2021.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1764

Three Tuns

Open 2020+

The Street

Lower Halstow

01795 842840

http://www.thethreetunsrestaurant.co.uk/

https://whatpub.com/three-tuns

Above photo, date unknown, kindly sent by Peter Moynihan.

Above photo 2015.

Above signs, dates unknown.

Kentish Gazette, Saturday 13th March 1776.

To be sold by private contract, all that good Cutter called the Swallow, a prime Sailor, of the Burthen of 50 tons or thereabouts, now lying at Anchor in Halstow Creek.

The above Cutter is well found, and they fit for Sea.

For further particulars enquire of Mr. John Parkinson, at the "Three Tuns" in Halstow the Lower.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald - Saturday 17 November 1877.

Lower Halstow. Serious Explosion of a Road Locomotive.

On Tuesday week, between two and three o'clock, two traction engines (with steam ploughing tackle), belonging to Messrs. Chittenden, Knight, and Co., and driven by J. Clements and A. Luckhurst, were proceeding to Messrs. Wood and Gregory's farm at Lower Halstow, when a halt was made at the "Three Tuns Inn," kept by Mr. Spice, for the drivers and men to obtain refreshments. Before going in the house, Luckhurst attended to the fires and saw that there was plenty of water in the boilers. Ten minutes afterwards, just as they were about to start, Luckhurst returned to see that all was ready, and he had only just got off his own engine, and was entering the door, when the boiler exploded with a terrific report. The engine was drawn up within 6ft. of the house, which suffered much damage. The top-room was completely destroyed, as also the bedroom over, and the roof. The sashes of all the windows, too, were destroyed, and hardly a sound pane of glass was left in the house. It is stated that the fly wheel of the engine came crashing through the roof and down into the taproom (which was fortunately empty at the time), and that it will cost at least £300 to repair the damage to the house. The engine was literally blown to pieces, and fragments were sent with great force in all directions, high into the air, and for a considerable distance. One huge piece, weighing 5cwt., was thrown over the inn and across the stream; other pieces were found at a distance of 50 and 100 yards. Several panes of glass were broken at a neighbouring beerhouse. The most extraordinary part of the story is that there was happily no one killed or seriously injured by the explosion, although the engine was standing in the public road at a time when numbers of people were likely to be about. Several persons, however, had a most miraculous escape. The servant at the "Three Tuns" was at the bedroom window, about 6ft. from the engine, and although the window-frame was demolished she sustained only a very slight injury. Two children were within a short distance of the engine, and they too fortunately were not hurt to speak of, although one of them had the toe of his shoe blown off. Luckhurst was covered with the broken glass, as he was re-entering the house. It was lucky that the tap-room was empty; it had been full all the day, but as the weather had cleared up the men had returned to work. The "Three Tuns" belongs to Mr. Arkcoll, of Maidstone. The engine had been in use seven or eight years. We have not heard positively the cause of the accident. Luckhurst states that the steam gauge was only registering 100lbs. when he got off the engine, and there was plenty of water in the boiler. It is, however, thought that the explosion may have been caused by the stays giving way, and we understand that one of them was blown out a few days since and was renewed. On the other hand it is the impression of some practical men that the explosion may have been caused by the safety valve being screwed down. We need hardly add that the occurrence occasioned quite a sensation in the locality, and the inhabitants are very thankful that the explosion occasioned nothing more serious than it did.

The Illustrated Police News, 17 November 1877.

Serious Explosions at New Cross and Sittingbourne.

On Wednesday afternoon two road locomotive or traction engines belonging to Messrs. Chittenden, Knight, and Co. were on their way to Lower Halstow, near Sittingbourne, to do some steam ploughing, and a halt was made at the "Three Tuns Inn" for the drivers to obtain some refreshment. Before going into the house they attended to there fires and saw that there was plenty of water in the boilers. Just before they were ready to start, Luckhurst, one of the drivers, again went to see that the water in the boilers and the fires were right, and he had only just got off his own engine when the boiler exploded. The engine was blown to pieces. Luckhurst had a most miraculous escape, as did also several other people; but happily no one was seriously injured. The front of the public house was blown in, and the flywheel of the engine came crashing right through the roof into the taproom below. It will cost at least £300 to repair the damage to the public house.

Heavy pieces of iron, &c., were blown in all directions to a considerable distance.

The engine has been in use 7 or 8 years. It is stated that at the time the explosion occurred the steam gauge only registered 100lb., and there was plenty of water in the boiler; but it is believed the accident was due to one or more of the stays giving way. There had been signs that the stays were getting weak, and one of them had recently been removed.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Aidan Barlow, 26 August 2014.

The Three Tuns in Lower Halstow staged its annual Kentish Beer and Cider Festival at the weekend.

Drinks flowed freely during the weekend’s Kentish Beer and Cider Festival.

It took place over three days at the Three Tuns in Lower Halstow. It was the fourth year the pub has staged the booze-led bonanza.

Friends at the Three Tuns at a Kentish Beer and Cider Festival at Lower Halstow.

As well as 19 real ales and 11 ciders, entertainment included five bands, including Jumbo Gumbo and Skabretta.

A hog roast and a seafood stall ensured visitors, who numbered about 200 on Sunday, didn’t go hungry.

Carol Haines with husband Chris, landlords of The Three Tuns.

Landlady Carol Haines said: “It was a fantastic weekend and a really good turnout over the three days.

“The marquee was so packed with people listening to the bands you could actually feel it vibrating.”

Carol said the pub was now gearing up to stage its first winter beer and cider festival in November.

Information from their web site September 2015.

Tucked in the small rural Kent Village of Lower Halstow, you will find the warm welcome of the Three Tuns Public House and Restaurant. This traditional country inn is now owned and run by Chris and Carol Haines.

The Three Tuns was built in 1468 and has had an ale license since 1764. Inside you will find crackling open fires and a traditional style pub, plus a separate dining area serving fine restaurant food with an ever changing seasonal menu using local produce. Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or quality pub food you will be sure to find what you want at The Three Tuns.

Also let's not forget our recent recognition and national award for the ‘best pub chips'.

Our Chefs are highly trained, having spent much time working in France and as leading Chefs in some of Kent's finest establishments and Hotels.

The Three Tuns was awarded a place in the ‘Good Beer Guide' in 2012 , 2013 and again 2014 and voted Runners up for Branch Pub of the Year. You will always find 4 local ales on tap to enjoy from a variety of Kent's Micro Breweries, along with a selection of Local Ciders.

A large beer garden at the rear of the pub provides you with a relaxing stream side decking area and plenty of seating, plus is the venue for many an event including Farmers Markets, and a summer Beer Festival. Mysterious and spooky stories are plentiful and whispers of unexplained ghostly activities and secret tunnels are a frequent talking point with the locals.

A great meeting place with friends and family, or the perfect place to start or end any walk for ramblers or Dog walkers as the surrounding area is abundant with history with many public footpaths. Take a few steps from the Saxon shore way and enjoy a cream tea or a refreshing pint of Kentish Lager.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Poppy Jeffery, 25 November 2016.

The Three Tuns pub in Lower Halstow broken into whilst open.

A member of staff was attacked when a thief raided an open pub and attempted to steal a cash box.

The Three Tuns in Lower Halstow was targeted at around 10pm yesterday.

A man broke into the office through an upstairs window and was in the process of taking the box when he was disturbed.

Owner Carol Haines said: "We were open and still had customers and staff on the premises.

“We caught on CCTV a young lad about 17 years old who had climbed through a window on the first floor.”

The intruder had his face covered but was captured on camera entering the office and taking the small safe containing staff tips.

Owner Carol Haines.

Manager Scott Lacey, who has only been working for the pub in The Street since August, disturbed the criminal and is “a bit shaken” having chased him off.

The culprit left empty handed after escaping back through the window.

Normally the pub has a complex security system, installed following a break in back in June where a large amount of cash was taken, but it wasn’t active as the pub was still open.