Kingsdown Estate

West Kingsdown

I am hoping for some local knowledge her as so far I have only heard of this one from one time local who tells me the following:- Back in around 1964 I lived at a pub in West Kingsdown called I think the "Manor House." It was the Maidstone side of the "Portobello" with just a field between them. It was a lovely old building maybe 16th century but had a new wing built on we called the Teenage Bar as it contained a Juke box and very modern.

The original building had a massive fireplace in the Snug as you entered in which dad kept going a huge welcoming fire. The main bar was low timbered ceilings. In the grounds was a swimming pool, a boating lake and a dance hall built without planning permission so never used.

It was a very popular pub, especially on Brands Hatch racing days.

It was set back from the road with a large car park out front. The open air swimming pool and cafe were open only in the summer. When we were there we didn't open the boating pool as the boats were a bit dodgy.

Oh we thought it had a ghost too.

Dad managed it for a year or so but when we were tipped off that the owner was probably a London gangster we moved away.

It burnt down a year or so after we left I believe.

I am assuming it had a drinks licence but local knowledge required for this one please.

LICENSEE LIST