Folkestone Herald 7 December 1912.

Local News.

The funeral of the late Mr. J. Pankhurst, of the British Lion, The Bayle, took place at the Folkestone Cemetery on Monday afternoon, amidst many signs of mourning.

Folkestone Herald 18 January 1913.

Local News.

At a special transfer sessions of the Folkestone Borough Bench, before Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Major G.E. Leggett, Mr. R.J. Linton, and Mr. G. Boyd, the licence of the British Lion, The Bayle, was transferred to Mr. H. Pankhurst. It was explained that Mr. Pankhurst had in reality been carrying on the business for some time for his father, who recently died.

Folkestone Herald 27 January 1917.

Felix.

Duty took me to the last meeting of the Gardeners' Society, which holds its meetings fortnightly on the large club room of the famous old-time hostelry, the British Lion, on The Bayle. For many years has this self-same room served a useful purpose. It was here that the Victoria Lodge of Druids first saw the light of day; here, too, that many an old-time free-and-easy was held long before the people were so “good” as they are nowadays. It was here, too, that many Folkestone tradesmen were wont to gather to do their best with either a jovial song or recitation. They loved a chorus then, and I hear some of the old boys now singing in strident tones “Join in the chorus, Join in the chorus, Join in the chorus, It is a chorus song”.

And the company did join in until those old rafters rang again. The British Lion has a character about it not to be associated with any other licensed house in the town. Old fashioned, curiously constructed, it has an air of old-time comfort about it that is pleasant to note. The late Mr. James Pankhurst – and a better and juster man never lived – studied the comfort of his customers. The excellent smoking room is evidence of this. The fine old prints, the grandfather's clock, the cosy fire, and excellent seating accommodation remind one of some of those famous old inns to be met with in Yorkshire.

I hold no brief for the present proprietor, Mr. H. Pankhurst, but this I do say; If all the licensed houses in Folkestone were made as comfortable as this, and conducted on the same excellent lines, there would not be such an outcry in some quarters as there is against such places. A delightful relic of the past, a real inn in the proper acceptance of the term – that is the British Lion.

Folkestone Herald 23 April 1927.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Petty Sessions on Tuesday William Ford was summoned for consuming intoxicating liquor on licensed premises after permitted hours, and Harry Pankhurst, landlord of the British Lion, The Bayle, was summoned for aiding and abetting. Mr. Rutley Mowll defended, and pleaded Not Guilty.

Inspector Craddock said at 9.38 p.m. on Sunday, April 3rd, in company with P.C. Simpson, he took up a position near the British Lion public house on The Bayle. They kept observation up to 10.13 p.m., and during that time 11 men and one woman left the passage that led to the side entrance of the public house. The last one to leave was at 10.11 p.m. The front door of the public house was closed. At 10.13 p.m. they took up a position beside the door at the side entrance. After having been there a minute, the side door was opened by Mr. Pankhurst, which gave them a clear view of the interior of the bar. He saw Mr. Ford near the counter in the act of putting a glass of beer to his lips. Witness said to Mr. Pankhurst “This is a late hour to allow intoxicating liquors to be consumed on your premises”, at the same time pointing to Ford, who was then putting the glass on the counter. Mr. Pankhurst replied “I admit it is a bit late. He is a friend of mine, and has been having a chat”. Witness told Mr. Pankhurst that it was 10.15, and the clock in the bar was 10.17 p.m. He picked up the glass Ford had placed on the counter, and said to him “Do you dispute that it was beer you were consuming from this glass?” Ford replied “No, I do not dispute it, but I bought it before 10 o'clock”. He then told Ford he would be reported, and he made no reply. He also told Mr. Pankhurst that he would be reported, and he replied “Make it as light as you can”.

By Mr. Mowll: Mr. Pankhurst and Mr. Ford both seemed very candid with him. When he took up the position in the passage he could see nothing until Mr. Pankhurst opened the door.

Mr. Pankhurst, on oath, said he had been at the British Lion for 40 years, and had held the licence for 14 years. On the day in question Ford stayed behind after the others had left. He was a steward on the boats, and had come to look at a room in the house where there had been a fire. There was no intoxicating liquor supplied after 10 o'clock. He was chatting with Ford. He went to get the shutter and opened the door with the shutter in his hand. When he was putting the shutter up he saw Ford putting the glass down. The police were present then.

By the Magistrates' Clerk: Ford was a regular customer when in Folkestone, and came in about 9 o'clock.

Mr. Mowll said he did not intend to call Mr. Ford.

The Magistrates retired, and on their return the Chairman said the Bench found the case proved against Pankhurst, and also Ford, but on account of Pankhurst having for so long properly conducted the house there would be no penalty. Ford would have to pay a fine of 10/-.

Mr. Mowll: Then against Pankhurst there is no conviction?

The Chairman: That is so, on account of the way in which Mr. Pankhurst has conducted the house in the past.

Folkestone Herald 12 October 1929.

Local News.

The transfer of several licences was approved by the Folkestone Magistrates at the Folkestone transfer sessions on Wednesday. A protection order was granted to Mr. Edward David Stannard pending the full transfer of the licence of the British Lion to him from Mr. Harry Pankhurst.

Folkestone Herald 11 January 1936.

Local News.

The Folkestone Magistrates on Wednesday granted permission for slight alterations to be made to the British Lion Hotel.

Folkestone Herald 15 April 1939.

Local News.

Folkestone Magistrates on Wednesday granted a protection order in respect of the British Lion to Mrs. Stannard, widow of Mr. E.D. Stannard, former licensee of the premises.

Note: No mention of Mrs. Stannard in More Bastions.

Folkestone Herald 26 January 1946.

Local News.

For stealing articles, including linen, from a public house, Emily Maude Minton, a Folkestone woman, was sent to prison for six months by Folkestone Magistrates last Friday. She pleaded Guilty.

Mrs. Dorothy Uden, wife of the licensee of the British Lion, The Bayle, said on Monday, January 14th, defendant came into the bar just after 6 p.m. After having some drink Munton went upstairs, and later when she came down she was carrying a large newspaper parcel under her arm. Defendant bade her “Goodnight” and walked out. On the two following nights Munton came to the premises, on the second occasion with a soldier just before 9 p.m. Defendant again went upstairs. Consequent upon what she was told witness also went upstairs and found a number of articles were missing from a tallboy on the landing. The property produced she identified as hers.

Miss Margaret M. Savage, Netley Lodge, Claremont Road, said about 9.25 p.m. on Wednesday on going upstairs at the British Lion she saw defendant in the act of closing a drawer of a tallboy. She said to Munton “What are you doing here? I'll tell Mrs. Uden”. Witness went downstairs and saw Mrs. Uden.

D. Const. Pearce gave evidence of arrest.

Chief Inspector R. J. Butcher said on January 20th, 1942, Munton was bound over for larceny. At Hythe on May 22nd, 1945, for stealing jewellery was bound over for two years. At Folkestone on August 24th last for larceny of a handbag at a public house Munton was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment, and for obtaining £3 from the Postmaster-General by means of fraud she was sentenced to a further four months, the sentences to run concurrently.

Miss Mayling (Woman Probation Officer) said Munton was an epileptic. She had endeavoured to get her into a hospital. Drink was the cause of most of defendant's trouble.

The Magistrates, as stated, sentenced Munton to six months' imprisonment.

Mr. L.G.A. Collins presided, with Alderman J.W. Stainer, Miss G. Broome-Giles, Mr. P.V. Gurr, and Mr. C.A. Wilde.

Folkestone Herald 28 July 1956.

Obituary.

For many years the licensee of the British Lion, The Bayle, Mr. Harry Pankhurst, of 9, Segrave Road, Folkestone, died recently at the age of 87. The last surviving member of an old Folkestone family, he took over the licence of the British Lion from his father, on the latter's retirement. His wife died in February. Since his retirement about 25 years ago illness prevented him from leading an active life, but he was very popular.

Interment was at Hawkinge Cemetery.

Folkestone Herald 13 February 1971.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

Police are keeping an extra careful eye on some pubs in Folkestone - particularly those popular among young people. This was revealed by Chief Superintendent W. Pullinger in his report to the annual meeting of the town’s Licensing Justices, on Wednesday.

He said that during 1970 licensed premises had been generally well-conducted, But he went on “As in most towns, certain premises require additional police supervision to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are not abused. This is sometimes due to slackness on the part of the licensee, or to popular premises attracting large numbers of young people”.

Mr. P.J. Baden-Fuller, the Chairman of the Justices, appreciated the difficulties licensees faced with young people. He said the Justices hoped that those licensees concerned would try to enforce the liquor laws, but added “It is so difficult to tell the ages of young people sometimes”.

Later, The Herald spoke to landlords of Folkestone pubs that are popular with youngsters – only to find they did not think they had a problem. Several of them agreed with Mr. Baden-Fuller that it was difficult to tell the ages of some young customers. The answer to a difficult situation was, they agreed, firmness and rigidly following the maxim “If in doubt, don’t serve”.

At the Shakespeare, in Guildhall Street, Mr. Ron Balsom, the landlord, said “I have spent many years in London as a licensee, and the young people here are a lot different. I find them very reasonable and very well behaved. They certainly do not cause me any headaches”.

Mr. Alan White, landlord of the Prince Albert in Rendezvous Street, said “There is an occasional problem caused by young soldiers from Shorncliffe wanting a drink. You know who they are and you just have to handle the situation firmly. Trouble is caused when youngsters unused to alcohol have a few drinks and get a bit het up. A landlord has a duty to regular customers, and must make sure that kind of situation does not arise”.

At the West Cliff Shades, Christ Church Road, a spokesman said there were no problems worth mentioning, though there had been occasional instances of vandalism.

At the British Lion, in The Bayle, Mr. Gerry Hourahane said “It is difficult to judge ages, particularly those of foreigners. But if you ask them what year they were born they usually answer correctly without thinking”.

Another aspect of Chief Superintendent Pullinger's report to the Justices was that hotels and restaurants are catering more for Continental visitors. The number of restricted licences granted to hotels, restaurants and other premises had increased, he reported. “This is no doubt due to more people requiring intoxicants for consumption with their meals, particularly in Folkestone, where the number of Continental visitors, especially day visitors from France and Belgium, continues to increase.

The report showed that 19 cases of drunkenness were dealt with by the police in 1970, compared with 16 in 1969, an increase “which does not reflect on licensed premises”. Fourteen cases of motorists unfit to drive through drink were also dealt with by the police – two fewer than in 1969. There are now 177 licensed premises in Folkestone. The police had no objections to any licences being renewed.

Folkestone Herald 28 June 1975.

Local News.

Licensee Mr. Richard Hourahane took a breath test after his car was involved in a road crash which killed a boy cyclist at Folkestone. It proved positive, said a policeman at a Canterbury inquest on Tuesday on Peter Kenneth John Bonham, aged 18, of Broad View, Cheriton, who was also known as Softly, the name of his foster parents.

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death and the foreman added it was “not happy with the conflict of evidence”. The accident happened at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, on the A20 near its junction with Danton Lane. Mr. Bonham died three hours later in Kent and Canterbury hospital. He had a skull fracture.

Police Constable Graham Steele said Mr. Hourahane, of The British Lion on The Bayle, Folkestone, told him at the scene “All I can say is I was driving up the A20 here and when I got almost opposite Danton Lane the pedal cyclist turned right straight into me. I didn’t have a chance.” The officer said he asked Mr. Hourahane to take a breath test and he replied “I have had a few so I expect I shall be over the top”.

In a statement Mr. Hourahane told how he left the pub at 7.40 p.m. to take Mrs. Margery Spiers to her home at Woodlands Road, Lyminge. He said he saw two cyclists about 20 yards ahead, so he moved over lo the centre of the road as he approached Danton Lane. The cyclist swung right across the front of his car He braked hard and pulled the car to the offside but was unable to avoid the cyclist who struck the front near side. Mr. Hourahane said he immediately jumped out to see what could be done.

Police Constable Steele was asked by a solicitor for Mr Hourahane whether Mr. Hourahane had said he had had nothing until 7 p.m. when he had a whisky and one more before he left.

The officer replied he had said this in conversation later, not in the statement.

Coroner Mr. Wilfred Mowll refused to allow an answer when Mr. Christopher Goddard, counsel for Mr. and Mrs. Softly, asked P.C. Steele the result of a blood test on Mr. Hourahane. The coroner said “We are investigating this boy's death”.

Peter Baker, aged 15, a Harvey grammar school boy from Risborough Lane, Folkestone, said he and his friend Peter Bonham decided to shelter from rain under trees on the other side of the road. He himself went out of the gate of Cranbourne children’s home first, stopped at the road and turned to talk to his friend. He said he crossed the road. There was no traffic coming from Folkestone. He did not see Mr. Bonham cross but just alter he got to the trees he heard a crash.

Mrs. Spiers told the coroner “I could have sworn I saw two cyclists riding abreast. The outside one was wobbling a bit and Mr. Hourahane said “He is wobbling a bit” and moved over in the road to pass them. He suddenly turned sharp right and just hit us. I shut my eyes. There was a terrific bang. I was absolutely petrified. Mr. Hourahane pulled up very quickly”.

Mr. Mowll, the coroner, told the jury: You have two different stories. The driver and passenger say there were two boys in the road. On the other hand neither can explain what happened to the boy on the inside, if that story is correct. There is a yawning gap. No one can explain what happened to the boy. The boy's friend, who seemed an intelligent and clear headed boy, gave evidence that he came out first, crossed the road diagonally to get to the trees. When he got to the trees he heard a crash.

Folkestone Herald 8 November 1975.

Local News.

Richard Gerald Hourahane, of the British Lion, The Bayle, Folkestone, was fined £75 at Folkestone Court on Thursday for driving with excess alcohol in his blood.

The court was told of an accident on the A 20 road at the junction with Danton Lane on May 13 involving Hourahane's car and a pedal cycle.

Inspector John Ansell said a subsequent blood-alcohol count was 101, compared with the permitted limit of 80.

Mr. Thomas Hulme, defending, said the Bench would gather that his client co-operated fully- and had agreed immediately that he was the driver of the car. He had had two small drinks and had not anticipated going out early in the evening, but he gave somebody a lift because that person felt unwell, and in these circumstances an accident occurred It would not have escaped the Bench's notice that the figure was 101, said Mr. Hulme, and it was certainly not a bad case.

Hourahane was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £8.01.

The cyclist, Harvey grammar school boy Peter Kenneth Bonham, of Broad View, Cheriton, died as a result of the accident. An inquest jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

Folkestone Herald 11 June 1977.

Local News.

One of Folkestone's best-known licensees, Mr. Richard Gerald “Gerry” Hourahane, died in King's College Hospital, London, on Wednesday, after a short illness.

Aged 59, he took over the British Lion, on The Bayle, nearly 20 years ago after nine years as licensee of The Clarendon Inn, Sandgate. In world war two, Mr. Hourahane was an R.S.M. in Royal Tank Regiment and served in Italy and Greece. Later he became a physical training instructor at Aldershot. After the war he was appointed secretary of Smith's Industries Social Club, at Cricklewood, before moving to Sandgate in 1949. A keen golfer he was, for many years a member of Sene Valley Golf Club, and was President of the Odds and Soaks Golf Society. Mr. Hourahane was also very interested in football. He was founder president of British Lion F.C., the successful Hythe Sunday morning league club, and a vice president of Folkestone and Shepway F.C. He was also a keen follower of county cricket. An active member of the Folkestone and Hythe Lions, he was also a Freemason, being a member of Temple Lodge.

He leaves a widow, Joan, and two sons, Major David Hourahane, R.A.O.C., and Mr. Peter Hourahane, senior advertisement representative with the Folkestone and Hythe Herald and South Kent Gazette.

Folkestone Herald 11 April 1986.

Local News.

A unique chapter in Folkestone’s history ended yesterday (Thursday) when pub landlady Joan Hourahane said goodbye to one of the town’s oldest pubs, the famous British Lion.

Joan, who has spent the last 38 years tending to the drinking habits of the garrison, port and town, has been a frontline witness to Folkestone’s changing fortunes. When she took over the 15th Century inn at The Bayle with her late husband, ex-RSM Gerry, beer was eight old pennies a pint (about 4p). Today, lunchtime drinkers spend £5 on food and tipple, the equivalent of a week’s wage in 1957, when Joan and Gerry moved from Sandgate's Clarendon pub to the centre of the town. In those days it was a dull and dismal pub with blackout curtains from World War II still hanging from the window frames. Now drinkers enjoy a steak pie and potatoes, washed down with real beer, in a traditional setting. And this seems to be the way the customers like it. A decade ago they got up a successful petition to thwart brewery plans to modernise the pub. And as such it has enjoyed a special place among the pubs of Folkestone.

The British Lion certainly has a special place in history, for author Charles Dickens and painter William Turner were customers in the days before licensing laws and drinking up time inhibited the day-to-day imbiber. And it would not be misleading to say that both great artists would find the old inn much the same as in their day. It certainly remains one of Folkestone's pubs of character.

One feature that will disappear with Joan's departure are two major items of seasonal fare – the famous pie and potatoes. For over twenty years these two items have warmed and stabilised the tummies of beer drinkers during winter months, and are devoured eagerly by those who eschew today's trends of a light lunch.

But Joan is modest when praise is offered for the pub's fame and fortune. “It's the customers who make a pub”, she says. “The pub has terrific character, but that's due mainly to the customers. There is not really another pub like it in Folkestone. In the old days women seldom came in on their own. That's all changed now. And youngsters are more plentiful. I think the younger generation appreciate it as much as anybody else, without the need for juke boxes and fruit machines”. Joan has seen the character of the town change too. “Unfortunately we have become a bit cut off from the town since the precinct was put down. And until a few years ago many more businesses operated from the town centre. That's all changed”, says Joan.

At a surprise party last week the popular landlady was presented with a silver tray inscribed with a lion. She was also given a tumble druer, an automatic camera, a Teasmade and a bouquet. Joan, who has moved into a flat nearby in The Bayle, said as she left “Of course I'll be back – it's now my local”.

Folkestone Herald 7 November 1986.

Advertising Feature.

When publicans Ken and Lorraine Hollett first visited Folkestone's famous British Lion, it was love at first sight. And they vowed; if the ancient inn on The Bayle, steeped in history and atmosphere, became theirs, it should stay just the way it was. They have kept that promise. And this week, six months after taking over, they celebrated the occasion with a reception at the pub, one of the town's oldest licensed premises, to prove it.

The British Lion, a symbol of all that's great in Britain, dates back to the 15th century. And from the chapters of history it can boast a place of its own. Charles Dickens, perhaps this country's most famous author, used the pub as his local while living in Folkestone as he wrote Little Dorritt. As a mark of respect to the great man of letters, the pub's quaint snug bar, ever popular with those seeking a place for a quiet or discreet conversation, is now adorned with mementoes of his work.

But enough of the past. What of present? Today the pub offers traditional ale, and traditional food. And the new decorations and furnishings act as a seal of intent that the 400-year-old hostelry will remain in the traditional mould. Lorraine has spent many hours researching the history of the inn.

Apart from the range of beer and lager, draught or bottled - there are plenty of soft drinks too - the home now offers an extensive menu aimed at the lunchtime trade, plus wines and spirits - chilled nine if desired. Kitchen facilities have been improved in a bid to offer a wider choice to office workers and lunchtime drinkers. All the traditional dishes, homemade and with fresh vegetables will make an appearance on the menu card.

Folkestone Herald 20 November 1987.

Local News.

Beer drinkers in Folkestone have passed a bitter milestone in pint prices. This week the Good Pub Guide book was frothed up over Kent regulars digging deeper into their pockets than most of Britain's pub-goers. The guide criticises a one third increase in Surrey, Sussex and Kent during the year “pressing towards the £1-a-pint barrier which London has passed”. But some pubs in Folkestone broke the barrier up to two years ago and finding a brew in the area for less is a problem.

Folkestone landlords this week criticised the guide for being out of touch and blamed high rates plus brewery increases for the pricey cost of their pints.

Geoff Gosford, landlord of the Lifeboat in The Durlocks, said “Prices are quite high, but so are the overheads. Folkestone rates are the same as some London boroughs. Our beers can be expensive, but it is all real ale. We recently had the legendary Conqueror here as a guest ale. It was £1.28 a pint but three pints of that beer was worth nine of any other. I haven't had one complaint about my prices”.

Eileen Lewis, landlady of the Guildhall on The Bayle (£1 a pint) said “Some pubs may take advantage and raise prices higher. But the majority are very conscious of the cost of beer to their customers. It is not publicans clamouring for expensive beer, it is breweries”.

Ken Holletts, landlord of the British Lion (£1 a pint) said “I have not raised the price of beer since becoming the landlord. All increases have been imposed by the brewery. Our prices are reasonable, and as cheap as you'll find in the town centre”.

Black Bull landlady Maureen Coles in Canterbury Road (prices again in the £1 range) said “Rates and electricity and so on are all expensive and brewery increases take their toll”.

A spokesman for Whitbread, a major brewery supplying Folkestone, said “Beer prices are cheaper in other parts of the country, but Folkestone is no different, really, to most other parts of the South East”.

Folkestone Herald 5 February 1988.

Inquest.

Detectives and a Home Office pathologist were called in to investigate a suspected murder after a man died in hospital of multiple head injuries. Father-of-three Kenneth Huntley was so badly injured he could not speak or communicate with his son or doctors. At his inquest, a coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death after he heard it was more likely Mr. Huntley was injured from falling downstairs drunk. Some 34 witnesses, including several pub landlords in Folkestone, were questioned by police and were called to give evidence. The hearing was told that Mr. Huntley was a regular in at least three pubs in the town and often drunk to excess.

Landlord of the British Lion, The Bayle, Folkestone, Kenneth Hollett, said “Mr. Huntley would come into the bar in the early morning and mid-evenings about three or four times a week”.

Another landlord, Geoffrey Gosford, of The Lifeboat Inn, said “Mr. Huntley was not the most popular of customers. He drank very heavily and occasionally I saw him the worse for drink, but he never caused any trouble”.

Neighbours of Mr. Huntley’s at Bradstone Road, Folkestone, said they often heard him screaming to himself, and several had seen him drunk or slumped outside his house. They claimed he had become worse since his wife left him.

One of the last people to see Mr. Huntley before he was injured last September was a customer at the British Lion, Carol Edge, of Connaught Road, Folkestone. She told the inquest “I was driving along and I saw Mr. Huntley coming down Grace Hill. He appeared very drunk and was staggering. That was about 10.30 p.m.”

The same night a neighbour of Mr. Huntley, Mrs. Beryl Davies, said she heard a scuffling noise coming from the basement of his house, but she was frightened and did not want to get involved.

When Huntley’s son, Alan, went to check on his father the next morning, he found him lying in bed in pain with a black eye and marks on his face. Hours later his speech was “unintelligible” and the doctor was called. Tests in hospital showed Mr. Huntley had suffered a fractured skull and collarbone, fractured all his ribs except one, and had severe bruising. “He never explained how he got his injuries”, said Alan Huntley.

Kenneth Huntley, a former chief warden at Hythe Rangers, died of a heart attack the next morning. Despite the circumstances surrounding his death police were not called in until the following Tuesday.

At the inquest Home Office pathologist, Doctor Peter Venezis, who carried out tests on the body, said “The injuries on Mr. Huntley are consistent with a heavy fell. If he was drunk, he would have fallen heavier, and this might explain why his injuries were such”.

Folkestone Herald 2 September 1988.

Local News.

Great Ormond Street Hospital’s much-publicised Wishing Well Appeal became £1,000 better off this week as regulars at the British Lion pub hauled in their collection. Anne Macmillan and Karen Jones were part of a fund-raising team in a 24-hour games marathon at the pub in The Bayle, Folkestone. On Tuesday, they handed over their £1,000 sponsorship money to Barclay’s Bank manager Mr Ian Keay to be passed on to the Wishing Well Appeal.

Folkestone Herald 18 January 1991.

Local News.

Lunchtime bar takings vanished from the till of the British Lion pub, in The Bayle, Folkestone, on Sunday, after landlord Brian Clayson had seen his last customers off the premises.

He believes the thief came back to take £250 when he left the bar for a few minutes.

Folkestone Herald 29 January 1993.

Local News.

Furious pub landlord Brian Clayson has hit out at Folkestone Magistrates' refusal to allow him an extension to celebrate the life of Scottish poet Robert Burns.

“We had a great time, but all the same I'm really unhappy with the Court's decision”, said Mr. Clayson, landlord at the British Lion, at The Bayle, Folkestone, after the party on Monday night. “At 11 p.m., when the pub was absolutely full and there was a great atmosphere, I had to tell the customers it was time to pack up”. Most of the customers were Scots. Mr. Clayson, 54, who runs the pub with his wife Rena, said he wanted a one and a half hour extension for the Burns Night celebration. But, he said, three Magistrates deliberated for a few minutes over his application and then turned it down. He wasn't given a reason for the refusal. He has held a Burns Night at the pub for two successive years, without an extension. The parties ended at normal hours, “They were both very successful and there was no trouble at them. It went so well last year my customers asked me to apply for an extension this time. I was shocked when the Court turned it down. After this, I don't think I'll apply for one next year”. He added “I can only think this is such a quiet little nook the Magistrates don't want rowdies to get a chance of spoiling the area. But we've never had trouble here, and I'm sure an extension wouldn't have led to any problems”.

William Taylor, Chairman of the Folkestone Licensed Victuallers' Association, said the Magistrates may have turned down the application because they didn't view it as a special occasion. “I must say, in my calendar a Burns Night would be a special occasion, though I do see the Court's point of view. There are all sorts of anniversaries every week, so where do you draw the line? Magistrates do have guidelines, but it seems to depend very much on the opinion of the Bench on that particular day. Some might see an application as special and others might differ”.

Folkestone Herald 2 February 1995.

Local News.

Plans to extend the British Lion pub in The Bayle, Folkestone, have been thrown out by Shepway planners. Pub owners, Pubmaster Ltd., wanted to build an extension at the back of the pub and use the ground floor of the next door listed building, number eight, The Bayle, for storage. Councillors approved the application for the extension, but voted unanimously to refuse listed building consent for the changes because alterations to No. 8 would be detrimental to the listed building.

Folkestone Herald 9 February 1995.

Local News.

The landlord of a 15th century inn has warned the pub could close because plans to update it have been thrown out. Pubmaster Ltd., owners of the Grade II listed British Lion pub in The Bayle, Folkestone, wanted to build a rear extension and use the ground floor of next door, 8, The Bayle, for storage. Although planning permission was granted, Councillors voted unanimously against giving listed building consent for the changes.

Now landlord Brian Matthews, 59, and his partner Sandra White, 33, who lashed out £25,000 for the tenancy of the pub last September, say they may leave because they are not making money. “It is quite possible we will move on”, said Mr. Andrews. “We are finding out the grounds for refusal and whether they were enough. We may appeal against the decision, but if not I shall leave and Pubmaster may shut the pub if they can't get another tenant”. Mr. Matthews, who has been a publican for 22 years, said he only took on the British Lion because of plans to extend it. “The Magistrates and environmental health officers approved the plans and planning officers recommended the plans be approved, but now it has been thrown out by a bunch of amateurs”, he said. “The pub has been in this state for ages and we can't work in it; we're not making any money. It has a poor drainage system, outside toilets and an upstairs kitchen – it's all wrong and needs to be brought up to date”.

Shepway planning manager, Phil Kirby, said Councillors had visited the pub for a site meeting and had been concerned that work had already started inside number eight. “They had no reasons to refuse planning permission, but Councillors felt the proposed work would affect the character of the listed buildings and they are not happy about that”, he said. “The concern with number eight was that some work had been done without getting listed building consent. When people take on a listed building they must be aware of the responsibility that goes with it and any work must be considered by the local authority before it is done”.

Mr. Matthews said the work had only been done to tidy up the site. “It was a real mess and derelict; all I did was clear out all the rotten wood inside number eight, which has not altered the place at all”, he said. “It has been empty for 32 years and is derelict. No-one complained about that, but they complain when we do something about it. We planned to spend about £15,000 on improvements. We can't make a living here as it is; it's a ridiculous situation”.

Pubmaster regional manager, Jeffrey Hill, said alternative plans were being drawn up and would be submitted to the Council soon. “We are submitting a further plan to accommodate the planning committee's wishes and we hope we will eventually get planning permission without going to appeal”, he said. “We have written to the District Council to say we will reinstate number eight as it was and we regret what has happened. Mr. Matthews is quite right that he cannot operate as it is, but local objections need to be considered and met as much as possible”.

Folkestone Herald 12 November 1998.

Local News.

A landlord's life was saved by a smoke alarm when fire broke out in the bar area of his Folkestone pub. Two fire crews, led by Sub-Officer Richard McMunn, were called out to the British Lion on The Bayle just before midnight on Monday evening. It took them an hour and a half to extinguish the blaze.

Landlord Brian Matthews said the pub would be closed for a while, but could not estimate how long. It seemed to have started in a bin, but he was not sure how. “What I can say for certain is that the firemen were tremendous”, he said.

A spokesman for Folkestone firemen said “The early detection of the blaze by a smoke alarm saved a life and prevented it spreading to the first floor. Once again, the importance of fire detection in the home is emphasised”.

Half the bar was badly damaged.