CHEQUERS Pubs of Sholden

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1740-

Chequers

Still open

Sandhills

Sholden

01304 362288

Above photo when Edward Marsh was landlord of the "Chequers" at Sandhills, Sholden.

Above photo circa 1980 after renovations.

From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 1 July, 2010. Advertising feature.

MAGIC ALWAYS ON THE MENU

SUMMER is the perfect time to enjoy a visit to The Chequers, located on the Ancient Highway between Deal and Sandwich.

This lovely old coaching inn offers a varied menu of tempting dishes that combines the flavours of South African owner Pieter van Zyl's homeland with traditional English fare prepared by his assistant Louise Coombes.

Washed down with a glass or two of South Africa's excellent wine, or good English beer on draught, there can be no better reason to enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the areas most peaceful locations.

Open from Wednesday through to Sunday lunchtime, The Chequers is an ideal place to end up after a walk, cycle ride or lazy drive, you can even catch the last rays of evening sunshine on the veranda while listening to the skylarks singing high above. Magic - pure magic!

Earliest reference found so far is in the Wingham Division Ale Licence list, which shows the "Chequer," (without an "S"), Sholden, to be re-licensed for the sum of 8 shillings in 1740 indicating that the pub was present before 1740.

At one time also referred to as the "Halfway House," but I believe this to be a local term and not one an official name.

The 1974 Justices On Licences register shows the premises to be owned by Leisurescope Ltd.

The pub is still open but is now more a restaurant than an actual public house, opening only Thursday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. Also contains two self contained chalets to accommodate two families of two (four berth).

This house is situated on the Ancient Highway that runs between Deal and Sandwich, and is now run by Gary Rose and Chef Pieter van Zyl.