Thanet Advertiser, Friday 1 July 1932.

JOLLY TAR BLAZE. CLIFTONVILLE FIRE.

Blinded by smoke and fumes, members of the Margate fire brigade fought an entrance to the "Jolly Tar Tavern," Clifton Baths, during the early hours of Tuesday morning to extinguish an outbreak of fire on the premises.

When the brigade arrived on the scene the glare of the fire could be seen for a considerable distance. The flames rapidly increased in intensity, and unable to gain an entrance, the members of the brigade, under Chief Officer H. Hammond, were forced to smash in the door.

A line of hose attached to a hydrant near the Clifton Concert Hall was brought into play on the upholstered settees, chairs and tables which were burning furiously.

The outbreak was quelled within half an hour, and the brigade, who were called at 1:12 a.m., returned to the station shortly after 2 o'clock.

The alarm was given by telephone by someone whose attention was attracted by the glares in the cafe while walking along the lower promenade. The timely arrival and intervention by the brigade undoubtedly prevented more serious consequences. Numbers of upholstered settees, chairs and tables were burnt in the fire, and damage was also caused by smoke and water.

The outbreak is believed to be due to a dropped cigarette end in one of the upholstered settees.

The "Jolly Tar Tavern" is a popular rendezvous at the Clifton Baths Estate.