From the East Kent Mercury 23 March 1962.

The 'Britannia' Opens Next Monday

"Britannia-Triumphant! The most decisive and glorious naval victory that ever was obtained since the creation of the world!" This 'headline from a broadsheet, published in 1805, announced Nelson's victory at Trafalgar. After 250 years the headline is still catching the eye, for the original broadsheet is now part of the decor at The Britannia, the new public house which Messrs. Mackeson and Co. Ltd., of Hythe, will open in Townwall Street, Dover, on Monday, March 26th.

Interesting Historical Exhibits

The broadsheet is one or many items of interest to be found in the new house. Its walls are lined with old maritime prints - many of ancient Dover - and there is a unique collection of vessels named Britannia through the ages. Ships of both the Royal Navy and the Merchant Marine are included. Although the exhibits are steeped in antiquity there is an acknowledgment to modern travel with a beautiful scale model of a B.O.A.C. Britannia.

Highlight of the decor of The Britannia is the scale model of H.M.S. Britannia, which was launched in October, 1820. This first rate ship of 120 guns. 2,616 tons. saw service in the Crimea. She was the flagship of Vice-Admiral J. W. D. Dundas at the bombardment of Sebastopol.

In the restaurant is an outstanding print of Dover Harbour as it was in 1739. Eight feet long and three feet wide. This magnificent mural shows the harbour of two centuries ago. The spire of St. Mary's Church is clearly visible.

Mr. Edwin Perry, licensee, and his son, Mr. Edwin Perry, jnr., who will be catering manager. Behind them is the magnificent mural depicting Dover Harbour in 1739.

Original Pub at Brussers Fair.

The Britannia takes it's inspiration from the famous pub of the same name which was specially constructed at the World Fair in Brussels four years ago. All the exhibits used in that reconstruction of a typical British hostelry have been included in Dover's Britannia. Patrons will be able to wander through the bars and dining room in much the same way as they would in an art gallery. And the brewers are encouraging this by issuing catalogues - but none of the exhibits will be for sale.

Specious Bars

The Britannia has two bars. The spacious Britannia bar - incorporating all the best from the Bar at Brussels - and the more intimate Trident Bar.

The Britannia Bar, panelled in Australian Walnut, is one of the largest bars in town. In adjacent Trident Bar - from where, at the moment, there is an unrivalled view of Dover Castle - there is a cold buffet bar.

A Special Beer

Britannia Bitter is a special beer brewed by Whitbreads and created for the World Fair at Brussels.

Since the closing of the British tavern at the World Fair the bitter has been obtainable only at the Sir Samuel Whitbread, Leicester Square. From Monday Britannia Bitter will also be on tap at The Britannia, Dover.

Continental Catering

Continental catering will be the speciality of the Britannia; which will have a Spanish chef and head waiter. The air-conditioned restaurant will have seating for 50 people.

The restaurant will be open for breakfasts at 7.30 o'clock for cross-Channel travellers - morning coffee, lunches and dinners. Morning coffee will also be served in both bars. The wine cellar is reputed to be one of the most extensively stocked in the area.

History and Contemporary Look Combined

Although the exhibits are steeped in history. The Britannia carries a contemporary look. This is well illustrated by lots by its bars, where beer comes from the most modern machines operated by the flick of a finger. Gone are the traditional pump handles. In their place a tiny lever that measures the exact amount of liquid at a touch.

And there is likely to be little beer spilled at The Britannia, as a new design beer mug is being used. Slightly larger than those in general use it will carry the Imperial Measure without the liquid coming right to the top.

The Britannia promises to be more than just another public house. Its rich nautical atmosphere becomes apparent when one notices its traditional inn sign - Britannia against the famous White Cliffs of Dover and it will add prestige to Dover, the busiest passenger port In the world.

Model of H.M.S. Britannia, of 1820, This fine scale model is the highlight of the unique maritime collection at the Britannia. This model took three years to make, specially for this new Dover public house.

From the Kent Mercury 13 January 1967

ITS NAUTICAL PRINTS AND MODELS ATTRACT THE OVERSEAS VISITORS

MR. EDWIN PERRY, senior (right) with his son Edwin beside one of the nautical prints in the Britannia.

THE Britannia, Dover is one of the most famous public houses in the world. Every year thousands of overseas visitors visit the Britannia to see the unique collection of nautical prints and models.

The Britannia takes its name from the famous pub constructed for the World Fair in Brussels in 1958. And the collection - at least much or it - was originally on display at that famous Whitbread hostelry.

Focal point of the Britannia decor is the scale model of the H.M.S. Britannia, launched in 1820, a 120-gun ship which took part in the bombardment of Sevastapol.

In the spacious restaurant above the two large bars is an eye-catching print of Dover Harbour as it was in 1739. Eight feet long and  three feet wide, this mural evokes admiration from the travellers of the world.

So proud are the brewers of the collection that they have issued a magnificentt catalogue, profusely illustrated, which carries a forward by novelist Thomas Armstrong, famous author of "Dover Harbour."

Licensee of the Britannia. Mr. Edwin Perry was born into the trade. His father took over the licence of the Wine Lodge, upon the site of which The Britannia is built, in 1926. Mr. Perry spent many years working at the famous London Palladium. His son, also Edwin, is manager of the spacious restaurant at the Britannia, which specialises in both Spanish and English dishes.

From the Dover Mercury, 18 August 2005.

Pubs bid to open round the clock.

TWO of Dover's pubs and a 'supermarket' have asked for the right to serve alcohol 24 hours a day.

Under the Government's new licensing regime, all pubs, clubs and businesses serving alcohol and hot food after 11pm, and offering public entertainment, can ask for variations in the times they serve alcohol.

The Britannia pub in Townwall Street, and the Railway Bell in London Road, Kearsney, have applied for licences that would allow them to serve alcohol at all times of the day and night.

And Tesco in Whitfield wants to offer its shoppers the choice of buying alcohol whenever they visit the store.

Both licenses cite very different reasons for their applications, dismissing any thoughts of round-the-clock binge drinking.

Sarah Webb, licensee of the Britannia near the harbour, said: "We are looking to cater for people who work shifts and do not want to go to a nightclub. We know from our customers that many would like a quiet drink, outside normal hours."

Francis Gorham, licensee of the Railway Bell, said his application was not about keeping the pub open 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

He added: "This is about being able to decide, as responsible licensees, a suitable time to close the pub. One night that could be 3am, another 11pm."

Deadline

Following the August 6 deadline for licence applications, the district council has received 480 applications out of an expected 650 for the Dover district.

Many pubs have applied for longer hours, especially at weekends. The Flotilla and Firkin, in Bench Street, wants to close at 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, while the Old Endeavour, in London Road, has applied to stay open until at 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Photos above and below by Paul Skelton 31 December 2007.