DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Dover, April, 2023.

Page Updated:- Monday, 17 April, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest Apr 1997

(Name from)

Eight Bells

Open 2023+

19-21 Cannon Street

Dover

01304 205030

http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-eight-bells

https://www.facebook.com

https://whatpub.com/eight-bells

Eight Bells as Millets 1989

Above showing the "Eight Bells" in 1989 when it was still Milletts. Kindly supplied by Stuart Kinnon.

Eight Bells Canon Street

Eight Bells Sign

Eight Bells 2023

Above photo 2023.

Eight Bells bar 2023

Above photo 2023.

 

Formerly the "Metropole Bars"

 

It has now been bought by J W Wetherspoon and has reopened as the "Eight Bells".

 

From the Dover Express 5 December 1996, by Juliet Dennis.

PUB BID APPROVAL STUNS LANDLORDS.

Local publicans left reeling by decision to grant drinks licence.

A CONTROVERSIAL new watering hole has been given the green light to open in Dover town centre.

Scores of landlords saw their objections to a new £650,000 pub in Cannon Street quashed at an all-day hearing for a drinks licence at Dover Magistrates Court.

Jubilant winner Wetherspoons plans to transform two derelict shops into a busy all-day pub by April 1997, with projected annual takings of £750,000.

But the decision has stunned local publicans, many of whom already struggle to stay in business amidst tough competition and the lure of duty-free bargain booze.

Landlords packed the court room to hear the case and left fearing the worst.

Jackie Bowles, landlady at the "Louis Armstrong" and chairman of the Dover Licensed Victuallers' Association, told the Express: "It's going to take a little bit of business from us all and push us over the top.

Struggling.

"We are already hanging on by the skin of our teeth and struggling to fend off one bill, after another. My gut feeling is one of sheer concern about what will happen."

Wetherspoons - who already have a pub in Maidstone and another opening in Tonbridge Wells - claim they have never put rivals out of business.

Company spokesman Eddie Gerschon said: "The landlords are saying Dover is not a place worthy for a Wetherspoons, but that's a decision for the customers to make."

The firm revealed there will be space for 200 punters to eat and drink, while 20-25 new full, and part-time jobs will be created.

The pub will ban all music, sell beer from 99 pence and serve food all day. A third of' its space will be non-smoking, there will be disabled access and cctv security cameras will be installed.

Dover town centre manager Kevin Gubbins gave his seal of approval to the ambitious scheme after the hearing.

"It's excellent news," he said. "My belief is this will bring new businesses to the town and demonstrate Dover is a place to invest in."

But he admitted landlords' fears that it may put them out of business could become a reality.

"In the long run it is possible pubs could shut but that is the way of the world," he said.

"If I were a publican I would be relishing the news. This will bring new people into Dover, it is simply not true there's only a finite number of customers."

During the licensing hearing. Sgt Pat Gearing warned of potential dangers and told how a bottle thrown from a window at the Maidstone Wetherspoons pub had narrowly missed a policeman.

She demanded assurances that the owners would work with police and that customers would be barred from taking bottles outside the premises.

Magistrates' chairman Tim Martin said JPs would listen to any police advice.

The pub - as yet unnamed - plans all-day opening Monday to Saturday from 11am-11pm, and from noon-10.30pm on Sundays.

There will be no late licenses, magistrates heard, except on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

 

From the Dover Mercury 16 April, 1998.

Fifty brews in festival, at £1.39 a pint.

DRINKERS will be spoiled for choice when they order a beer at Timothy Pilling's pub in Dover.

Mr. Pilling, who runs the "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street, is staging a beef festival with up to 50 brews from all parts of the United Kingdom on offer.

The festival runs on four days from Wednesday to Saturday, April 22 to 25, and all beers are priced at £1.39 a pint.

The beers include five specially brewed for the festival and another called Sundance, which is sold in Wetherspoon pubs.

 

From the Dover Mercury 17 May 2007.

Steve Waymark of the Eight Bells

Above Steve Waymark, of The Eight Bells, with the Safer Socialising Award pd1202044

A DOVER licensee has received a Safer Socialising Award for the second successive year.

Steve Waymark, of The Eight Bells, is now the only person in Dover to have the award, after others, presented last year, were not renewed.

Mr Waymark said he was delighted to receive the award, which is one of a number The Eight Bells has received in the past few weeks, and paid tribute to his staff for all their work.

Safer Socialising Awards have also been presented to Graham Stiles for the Channel View guest house and the King's Head in Deal, Linda Thompson for the New Inn at Sandwich, and Gary and Jane May for the Alma in Deal.

M P Gwyn Prosser has congratulated the recipients for achieving the high standards set by the award scheme which is run by the Dover Partnership Against Crime (DPAC). These were only the second set of awards to be presented.

Failed

DPAC chairman Graham Tutthill stressed that the awards were not easily gained.

One pub which had received an award last year had failed the assessment this year, and an off-licence which was due to receive an award lost it following an incident.

He thanked the police, fire service and trading standards for their help with the assessments, and praised DPAC coordinators Karen Griffiths and Marie Alexander for all their work with the initiative.

Violence

Mr Prosser said DPAC was leading the way, having been the first partnership in Kent to receive the Safer Shopping Award, and then receiving the Safer Business and Safer Socialising awards.

All five awards were in the gold category, which is the highest that can be achieved.

The award scheme not only embraces pubs and clubs but hotels, restaurants, takeaways, taxi firms, cinemas, bingo halls, and off-sales premises.

It aims to reduce violence, drug abuse, under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour.

 

From the Dover Mercury 7 February, 2002.

Pub rings changes

Eight Bells Clappers

LIKE THE CLAPPERS: The equipment is presented to the Eight Bells public house

 

SOME of the equipment which has been used to ring the bells of St Mary's Parish Church for the past 100 years will now be used to decorate a neighbouring property - a pub!

The bells are undergoing a complete renovation and new clappers and ropes are being made.

The bell-ringers sometimes relaxed in the Eight Bells pub after their ringing sessions and the suggestion was made that the old clappers and ropes could be added to the old Dover items which already adorn the pub.

The pub owners, J D Wetherspoon, have made a donation to the bells appeal fund in return for the items.

On Tuesday the vicar, Rev David Ridley, and members of the bell-ringing team went to the pub to hand over the eight clappers and six ropes to the pub's assistant manager, David Jenkins.

"The pub is our close, neighbour, and we always get on well with our neighbours," said bells appeal secretary Peter Dale. "So when it was suggested that the clappers and ropes could go to the pub we were very pleased."

Contractors are due to move into the church on Monday to start work on the bells which have been stripped and are ready for removal.

It is expected that the work will be completed by August.

 

From the Dover Express, 9 August 2007. Report by Rhys Griffiths.

SMOKING BAN - PUBS FEEL THE EFFECTS A MONTH ON.

It has not been all doom and gloom. Some pubs and businesses have promoted themselves as smoke-free alternatives for people who want to go out to eat.

The Eight Bells in Cannon Street is one such pub that has embraced the new era. Duty manager Louise Mack said: "The ban has been good for business and we have seen food sales go up.

"People used to be put off because the smoke would hit you when you came in, now we have got more families coming in."

 

From Your Dover, 27 February, 2008.

"Wetherspoon staff hurled abuse at us"

Shelly Martin

 

EVERY week young mother Shelley Martin and her two friends used to meet up for breakfast in Dover's Eight Bells pub.

But not any more after they were asked to prove their age or they wouldn't get any food.

Now the national JD Wetherspoon chain has got egg on its face following the incident earlier this month.

Shelley 25, and her friends Diane Dixon and Emma Stow, all from Deal, used to meet up in the town centre pub for a coffee and breakfast. Diane is five months pregnant.

She said: "'We have been doing it for years. The staff in there know who we are. We weren't even buying alcohol. All of a sudden they were asking us if we were 21. I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted.

"When I disputed it, I was treated like a teenage delinquent. The manager was no help because he simply hurled abuse at us as we went out of the door."

Shelley said staff let them sit at a table before telling them they wouldn't be served.

She said: "You can go into a pub aged 16 and order food by law. I don't know why all of a sudden we were being discriminated against.

"Wetherspoon claim they are festering a smiley, family atmosphere. On the evidence of this they're not."

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said the company had a Challenge 21 policy.

He said: "The policy is, if you can't prove you are 21 you will not be served. The ladies may feel aggrieved, but we would back our staff members."

 

From the Dover Mercury, 27 March 2008.

Festival beers with international flavour.

THE increasing cost of beer has been a sore point for many pub goers after the price hike announced in the Budget.

But for 19 days Dover people will be able to buy an ale for £1.79 at a festival held at The Eight Bells pub.

Beers from as far afield as Japan and the USA will be on offer along with award-winning ales, fruit and wheat beers at the venue on Cannon Street.

The event will run from today (Thursday), until Monday, April 14.

Stephen Waymark, owner of the Eight Bells, said: “The festival will have an international flavour and will give people the chance to try a superb selection of beers.

“It promises to be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to welcoming customers.”

The most unusual beers will be Stone California Double IPA from the USA and Yo-Ho Tokyo Black from Japan.

Neither have been sold previously in UK pubs and are being brewed especially in England for the festival.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 15 May, 2008. 60p

EIGHT BELLS PUB

PLANS have been submitted to the district council for two retractable awnings on the front of the "Eight Bells" public house in Cannon Street, Dover.

 

RAISE A GLASS TO PUB'S WINE CHALLENGE.

CUSTOMERS of a Dover pub are being invited to take part in a world record wine-tasting bid.

Stephen Waymark, manager at The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street, is staging the event as part of the pub's wine festival, which starts on Wednesday and goes on until Sunday, June 8.

It is one of 680 Wetherspoon pubs across the UK that is hosting the synchronised wine tasting in an attempt to create a new Guinness World Record.

The wine tasting will take place at The "Eight Bells" at 6pm on Wednesday with customers offered a free glass of wine.

“The current world record stands at 5,100 tasters and I am confident that it can be beaten, with my customers playing their part,” said Mr Waymark.

 

From the Dover Express, 30 October, 2008.

ALE AND HEARTY BEER FANS PREPARE TO DRINK UP.

2008 festival drinkers

BEER lovers are in for a treat when the "Eight Bells" pub in Cannon Street hosts an ale festival featuring brews from around the world.

The event is being held at the Wetherspoon venue from today (Thursday) to November 16, and drinkers will be able to sample homegrown ales and beers from brewers in Japan, Australia and the USA.

All beers will be priced at £1.89 a pint and customers will be able to sample any three of the ales in special third-of-a-pint glasses for the price of a pint.

"Eight Bells" manager Stephen Waymark said: “The festival will give people the opportunity to enjoy a superb selection of UK and international beers, which are not normally available in the area. It promises to be great fun and I am certain that customers will enjoy themselves.”

 

From the Dover Express, 11 September, 2008.

WINE FESTIVAL AT PUB.

WINE lovers are in for a treat when a Dover pub hosts a festival.

The event begins on Wednesday at The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street and runs for 19 days, I during which time a range of award-winning wines will be on offer.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 30 October, 2008.

BEERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

BEER enthusiasts will be able to enjoy 50 cask-conditioned beers from across the world during an 18-day festival at a Dover pub.

The beers on offer at The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street, have been sourced from brewers in Japan, Australia, Denmark, USA, Poland and Belgium, as well as the UK.

The festival will feature award-winning ales, speciality, seasonal, organic and fruit beers, beers brewed exclusively for the pub, as well as one beer selected in partnership with Campaign for Real Ale members.

The festival starts today (Thursday) and goes on until Sunday, November 16 inclusive, with all beers priced at £1.89 a pint. Customers will be able to sample any three of the real ales in third-of-a-pint glasses for the price of a pint.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 6 November, 2008.

PUB RAID ARREST

POLICE investigating a break-in at the "Eight Bells" pub in Cannon Street, Dover, early on Sunday arrested two men. John Dalzell, 21, of Milton Road, Dover, and Jason Smith, 19, of Mount Road, Dover, were charged with burglary and are due in court on November 17.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 8 January, 2009.

Drunk burglar stole beer from pub.

A DRUNK burglar who raided a Dover pub, stealing bottles of beer and cider, has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to undergo alcohol treatment.

John Dalzell, 21, of Milton Road, Dover, appeared for sentence at Canterbury Crown Court having previously admitted burgling the Eight Bells in Cannon Street, Dover, in the early hours of November 2.

Donna East, prosecuting, said that police were alerted by a call reporting three men leaving by the fire door and getting into a taxi.

Police went to Milton Road where they arrested Dalzell in a back garden.

In total, 14 bottles of cider and four bottles of lager had been stolen. Some bottles of cider were recovered.

Dalzell told police that he had been out with his brother and another man but that his brother had gone home. He said that a man called Tony had told him it was easy to break into the Eight Bells and he added that he had been "very drunk and very stupid".

He also admitted breaching an eight-month suspended sentence for affray. But Mr Recorder Peter Morgan said that he was prepared to accept recommendations in a pre-sentence report.

Good references

The Recorder said that he had read good references from Dalzell's family and had taken into account his plea and the fact that he had not made excuses for his actions.

He sentenced Dalzell to four months, suspended for 12 months, with nine months supervision. He was also ordered to undergo alcohol treatment and pay £11.16 compensation with £150 costs.

 

Pub cuts drink and food prices to beat downturn.

PUB manager Stephen Waymark is reducing the prices of five drinks at The Eight Bells in Dover, but he is still making sure his staff serve alcohol responsibly.

The price cuts at the Cannon Street pub are set to nm indefinitely.

The pub will also be offering five meals at all times for £2.99, in addition to its regular menu.

"People enjoy' going to the pub;' said Mr Waymark. "However, I appreciate that the economic downturn means that they now have to be more careful with their money.

"I believe that my new food and drink prices will allow people to visit the pub without it costing them too much. Unlike most sales that start in January, the pub's offer will not be ending within days and will run indefinitely."

The Eight Bells will offer a pint of Greene King IPA for 99p, a bottle of San Miguel for 99p, a bottle of Blossom Hill Rose for £4.99, a single measure of Sailor Jerry rum (and a mixer) for £1.29 and a bottle of Jacques cider (750ml) for £3.99.

The five £2.99 meals are cottage pie, chips and peas, ham, eggs and chips, sausage, baked beans and chips, spicy tomato pasta, jacket Potato and tuna mayonnaise with a salad.

 

From the Dover Express, 9 April, 2009

Barred from Bells after coffee clash

Report by Kathy Bailes

A STORM in a coffee cup has seen a dad-of-three barred from a Dover pub and a complaint made to Kent Trading Standards.

Teetotaller Chris Holman says he was booted out of the Eight Bells after a squabble erupted over just what was in his cappuccino. Mr Holman, who had popped into the town centre pub for a cuppa after his mother's funeral, claims the spat followed his discovery that instant coffee was being used in the cappuccino machine.

Mr Holman, 46, of Durban Crescent, said: "I had been to my mum's funeral and then went to the Eight Bells and asked for a cappuccino. I paid £1.29. When I got it I noticed there was no froth and when I tasted it, it was like the milk was off. I went back to the girl who served me and told her it wasn't right."

Chris Holman

Mr Holman was given a replacement coffee but says this tasted just as bad as the first one. He said: "When I went back to the girl she told me they had run out of beans and had put instant coffee into the machine.

"What I wanted to know was why I was paying £1.29 when normal coffee is sold for 95 pence at the pub.

"I asked for my money back and that's when it all got nasty."

Unemployed Mr Holman, who had been his mum's main carer until she passed away, claims landlord Stephen Waymark told him he had already wasted two coffees before slapping the cash in his hand and making a comment about his mother's death.

Incensed at the outcome, Mr Holman complained to Wetherspoon's head office and to Kent Trading Standards.

He said: "When I called the head office they told me an area manager would look into it.

"I then got a letter saying my views would be passed to the area manager but I was barred by the landlord and they would not overturn that decision."

A spokesman for Wetherspoon's confirmed a complaint has been made. He said: "This gentleman has been barred. The manager says it is because he swore at staff.

"In terms of the coffee we will look into it but can't comment at this time."

Kent Trading Standards confirmed a complain has been made.

 

From the Dover Express, 17 September, 2009.

First time in top guide Delight for pub at place in bible.

Report by Rhys Griffiths

Eight Bells

A PUB in Dover has made its first appearance in the Campaign for Real Ale's annual Good Beer Guide.

The Eight Bells, in Cannon Street, which is part of the Wetherspoon chain, joins 16 other pubs from across the district in the 2010 edition of the beer lovers' bible.

Although it has been a popular town centre watering hole for many years, this is the first time it has been recognised for the quality of its authentic real ales.

The pub was converted from a former cinema and takes its name from the bells of St Mary's Church opposite.

Pub manager Stephen Waymark said: "I am delighted that The Eight Bells has been recognised for the quality of its real ales by CAMRA members.

"We offer our customers an excellent range of real ales at all times, including those from regional brewers and microbrewers, as well as hosting two major annual beer festivals.

"Our staff work hard to ensure that the real ales are kept in firstclass condition at all times and the pub's inclusion in the guide highlights this."

Entries to the annual beer guide are compiled by CAMRA members and represent the best places to get a quality pint.

A spokesman for CAMRA said: "The Eight Bells deserves its place in the Good Beer Guide.

"It is our belief that if a licensee serves an excellent pint of real ale, then everything else in the pub, including customer service, quality of food, decor and atmosphere, are likely to be of an equally high standard."

Dover and Deal lead the way in the district, with four and three pubs in the guide respectively. Other inclusions include the district pub of the year, The "Berry" in Walmer, The "Coastguard" in St Margaret's Bay, and the "Fleur de Lis" in Sandwich.

 

From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 11 February, 2010.

PUB BREAKFAST.

A DOVER pub is opening two hours earlier from next week to serve breakfast.

The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street will open its doors from 7am, seven days a week, from Wednesday.

At present the pub opens at 9am. Alcohol will not be served before 9am.

As well as the traditional breakfast, the menu includes porridge, fruit and yogurt.

 

From the Dover Express, 1 April 2010.

BEER FESTIVAL

BEER-LOVERS can treat themselves when a 19-day ale festival comes to a Dover pub.

The Eight Bells in Cannon Street will have tasty brews from countries including South Africa, Hawaii and Belgium.

The pub will offer up to 45 beers, including new, seasonal and speciality beers.

Some beers have been brewed exclusively for the festival.

It will run from Wednesday, April 7 until Sunday, April 25 and all beers will cost £1.89 a pint.

Pub manager Stephen Waymark said: ·People can enjoy a superb selection of international beers."

 

From the Dover Express, 22 April 2010.

BREAKFAST IS SERVED AT PUB

PUB punters who fancy a bite will be able to order food at The Eight Bells in Cannon Street even earlier from next Wednesday.

The town pub will open its doors at 7am to serve breakfasts.

Alcohol will not be served until 9am.

 

From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 27 May, 2010.

PUB BRINGS IN WORLD CUP WINES.

A DOVER pub is hosting a wine festival with a World Cup theme in the run-up to the football tournament.

The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street will be serving five wines from World Cup-winning countries, as well as the official FIFA wine from the host nation South Africa.

The six wines have not previously been served at the pub and will complement up to 16 additional wines that will be available during the whole festival - which runs until Thursday, June 10, the day before the World Cup kicks off.

The festival wines on offer are Porta Nova Pinot Grigio Selezione Azzurri 2009 (Italy), Rio Sol Cabernet Syrah (Brazil), Etchart Malbec Privado 2009 (Argentina), Denbies Cellarmaster's Choice Chalk Ridge (England), Loosen Brothers Dr L Riesling (Germany) and Nederburg Rose 'Twenty10' 2009 (South Africa).

The English wine has been produced exclusively for Wetherspoon by award-winning winemakers Sam Harrop and John Worontschak.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 17 September 2010.

EIGHT BELLS EARNS PLACE IN ALE DRINKERS' BIBLE

A DOVER pub has been acclaimed for the quality of its real ale by members of the town's branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street, is listed in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2010, published on Thursday. Branch members chose the pub following regular visits to check on the quality of the beers on offer.

A CAMRA spokesman said: “The Eight Bells deserves its place in the Good Beer Guide.

“It is our belief that if a licensee serves an excellent pint of real ale, then everything else in the pub, including customer service, quality of food, decor and atmosphere, are likely to be of an equally high standard.”

Pub manager Stephen Waymark said: “I am delighted that The Eight Bells has been recognised by CAMRA members.

“We offer our customers an excellent range of real ales, including those from regional brewers and microbrewers, as well as hosting two annual beer festivals.

“Our staff work hard to ensure that the real ales are kept in first-class condition and the pub's inclusion in the guide highlights this.”

 

From the Dover Mercury, 23 September, 2010.

GOOD BEER PUTS PUB IN GUIDE

A DOVER pub has been praised for the quality of its real ale by members of the town's Campaign for Real Ale branch.

The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street, is listed in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2011, which was published on Thursday.

Branch members chose the Wetherspoon pub following regular visits to check on the quality of the real ales on offer. They also took into account customer service, decor and overall atmosphere. The pub's manager, Stephen Waymark, said: "I am delighted that The "Eight Bells" has been recognised for the quality of its real ales by CAMRA' members.

"We offer our customers an excellent range of real ales at all times, including those from regional brewers and microbrewers, as well as hosting beer festivals.

"Staff work hard to ensure that the real ales on offer are kept in first-class condition and the pub's inclusion in the guide highlights this.

 

From the Dover Express, 21 October 2010. 65p

REAL ALE FESTIVAL

BEER enthusiasts can choose from 50 real ales from across the world during a 19-day festival at a Dover pub starting on Wednesday.

The beers on offer at The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street will come from brewers in places such as Sri Lanka, USA, Italy, Belgium and Holland, as well as across the UK, and the Isle of Man.

Ten draught ciders will also be on offer.

The festival will run until November 14.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 28 October, 2010.

PUB BEER FESTIVAL BOASTS 50 REAL ALES

BEER enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a range of 50 real ales from across the world during a 19-day festival at a Dover pub.

The beers on offer at the "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street have been gathered from brewers in Sri Lanka, USA, Italy, Belgium and Holland, as well as across the UK, including Jersey and the Isle of Man.

In addition the pub will be serving up to 10 draught ciders. The festival, which started yesterday (Wednesday) and runs through to November 14, will feature a number of beers brewed exclusively for the pub, beers which are no longer brewed, but have been brewed again especially for the festival, as well as speciality flavoured beers. All are priced at £1.95 a pint.

The overseas beers on sale include Lion Stout from Sri Lanka, Castagnale (Italy), Green Hop Blonde (USA), Palm Steenhuffel Blond (Belgium) and Flying Dutchman Junibier (Heineken Brewery, Holland).

The UK beers have such names as Chocoholic, Black Squirrel, Purple Haze, Double Espresso Wild Oat Stout, Hairway to Steaven, Ghost Ship, Ginger Hare and Wheat Dreams.

Amongst the beers brewed exclusively for the festival are Straight Flush from Clark's brewery, Once Bittern (Woodford's), Ribble Rouser (Thwaites), Phoenix Rising (Maxim) and Vanilla Orchid (Highwood).

Pub manager Stephen Waymark said: "The festival will give people the opportunity to enjoy a superb selection of UK and international beers, together with draught ciders, at the "Eight Bells." It promises to be great fun and I am certain that my customers will enjoy themselves."

Tasting notes on all the beers and ciders will be available in the pub.

 

From the Dover Express, 29 December, 2011. 60p.

PUB BARGAINS

DOVER: Pub-goers will be able to cash in on the January sales with a difference - at The Eight Bells in Dover.

The Cannon Street public house will be serving a pint of real ale at 1992 prices from next Tuesday through to January 11.

Manager Stephen Waymark said: “I'm sure that my customers will welcome the reduction in prices, especially at the start of the year.

“Department stores and shops hold their sales in January and I believe that given the choice of a trip to a sale at the shops, or a sale at The "Eight Bells," most people would prefer a visit to the pub.”

 

From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 6 January 2011.

IT'S SALE TIME - AT THE PUB

MANAGERS or businesses in Dover have been welcoming people to their January sales - and publican Stehen Waymark is no exception.

He has reduced the price on a number of drinks and meals at the "Eight Bells" public house in Cannon Street in a sale which started on Tuesday and runs until January 14.

"Department stores and shops hold their sales in January and I believe that given the choice of a trip to a sale at the shops or a sale at The "Eight Bells," most people would prefer a visit to the pub," said Mr Waymark.

"The range of drinks and meals on sale is aimed at suiting a wide variety of tastes. As always, the pub will serve customers responsibly."

 

From the Dover Mercury, 14 July, 2011. 70p

CHEERS! PUB TO STAGE ITS FIRST CIDER FESTIVAL

A PUB in Dover is staging its first cider festival.

The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street will be serving 12 different ciders during the festival, which runs for 11 days from Thursday, July 21 until Sunday, July 31.

Pub manager Stephen Waymark said: "Cider is proving increasingly popular with our customers and I'm sure they will enjoy the opportunity to enjoy ciders not usually available in the pub."

The draught and bottled drinks are from a range of cider makers in England and Wales, and also include one produced in France. They are available at £2.25 each and tasting notes on each of them will be available at the Wetherspoon pub.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 22 September, 2011. 70p

EIGHT BELLS WINS PRAISE FOR ITS ALES

A DOVER pub has been acclaimed for the quality of its real ale, by members of the town's Campaign for Real Ale branch.

The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street, is listed in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2012.

Local branch members chose the Wetherspoon pub following regular, visits to check on the quality of the real ales on offer. They also took into account customer service, decor and overall atmosphere.

A CAMRA spokesman said: "The "Eight Bells" deserves its place in the Good Beer Guide 2012."

"It is our belief that if a licensee serves an excellent pint of real ale, then everything else in the pub, including customer service, quality of food and atmosphere, are likely to be of an equally high standard."

The pub's manager, Stephen Waymark, said: "I am delighted that the "Eight Bells" has been recognised for the quality of its real ales by CAMRA, members.

"We offer our customers an excellent range of real ales at all times, including those from regional breweries and microbrewers, as well as hosting our own beer festivals.

"Staff at the pub work hard to ensure that the real ales on offer are kept in first-class condition at all times."

 

From the Dover Mercury, 29 December, 2011. 70p

GET THE BEERS IN AT 1992 PRICES.

A JANUARY sale with a difference will take place at Dover's The Eight Bells from January 3 with real ale available at 1992 prices.

Green King Ruddles Best Bitter will cost £1.29 - the average price of a pint of beer 20 years ago, according to the Campaign for Real Ales (CAMRA). Other beers will also be discounted at the Cannon Street pub.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 8 March, 2012. 80p

BEERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AT 19-DAY PUB FESTIVAL

BEER drinkers will be able to enjoy 50 cask-conditioned beers from the UK and overseas during a 19-day festival at a Dover pub.

The overseas beers on offer at The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street have been sourced from brewers in Russia, South Africa, Norway, USA and Belgium.

The festival will also feature beers from across the UK, including speciality beers (ingredients include honey, loganberries, grapefruit, treacle and chocolate), as well as beers brewed exclusively for the pub.

The festival will run from Wednesday until Sunday, April 1, inclusive, with all beers priced at £2.15 a pint.

In addition the pub will be serving up to 10 traditional draught ciders.

Pub manager Stephen Waymark said: “Many of the beers on offer have not been available in the pub beforehand and I am looking forward to serving them.”

 

From the Dover Mercury, 5 July, 2012. 80p

PUB TO HOST CIDER FESTIVAL

PUB-goers will be able to enjoy a range of ciders during a festival at the Eight Bells, in Cannon Street, Dover, from Wednesday, July 11, to July 29.

The pub will offer up to 16 draught and bottled ciders from England and Wales, with traditional ciders, fruit ciders and perries or pear cider at £2.20 a pint.

Among those on offer will be Mr Whitehead's Plum Cider. Thatchers Cheddar Valley, Sheppy's Farmhouse Draught, Weston's Cider Twist Blackcurrant, Gwynt y Ddraig's Welsh Gold Perry and Sandford Orchards' Devon Scrumpy.

Pub manager Kenny Birmingham said: “People will enjoy our fantastic selection, a number of which are not usually available in the area.”

Tasting notes on all of the ciders will be available.

 

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 12 July, 2012. 65p. Report by Gary Wright

FIGHT AT PUB

A TEENAGER who had been released from prison only a few weeks earlier got in a fight with bouncers at a Dover pub.

Drunk teen in pub fight gets off with fine.

MAGISTRATES GIVE ANOTHER CHANCE.

A TEENAGER who had been released from prison only a few weeks earlier got into a fight with bouncers at a Dover pub after he was kicked out for allegedly using drugs.

Storm Kennedy, 19, was so incensed at being accused by doormen at The "Eight Bells," in Cannon Street, that he kicked over furniture outside and eventually had to be pinned down until police arrived.

Kennedy, of Folkestone Road, Dover, was captured on CCTV kicking over the furniture at 11.45pm.

“He was undoubtedly roughed up and needed hospital treatment afterwards,” his solicitor Mark Trafford told Folkestone magistrates on Friday, when Kennedy pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly on June 23 and being breach of a conditional discharge from last year.

Guilty

“But he accepts that he put himself in that position and that is why he has pleaded guilty.”

Kennedy has been in and out of prison for the past two years the court was told and he was released in March after serving a sentence for assault. He was given a place at the St Martin's Emmaeus homeless project in Dover, which offered him accommodation and paid work.

“But, following this incident, he had lost both and is now back living with his mother,” said Mr Trafford, who said his client was undergoing medical checks for possible liver damage caused by booze.

“He suffers from a form of Asperger's and has a problem with confrontation. When he was asked to leave the pub that night, he was wrongly accused of taking drugs and that was why he reacted badly. A lot of force was used against him.”

Chairman of the magistrates bench Marek Bilik told Kennedy that he had “an appalling record” but he said there would be no action for the breach.

Kennedy was fined £50 for being drunk and disorderly with costs totalling £100. “We've dealt with you very leniently,” said Mr Bilik.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 20 September, 2012. 80p

PUB ACCOLADE FOR SERVING A FINE PINT

A DOVER pub has been included in next year's Good Beer Guide after being chosen by members of the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Local branch members chose the "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street following regular visits to check on the quality of the beers on offer.

They also took into account customer service, decor and overall atmosphere.

As a result, the Wetherspoon pub is listed in the Camra guide which was published on Thursday.

A Camra spokesman said: “The Eight Bells deserves its place in the Good Beer Guide 2013.

“It is our belief that if a licensee serves an excellent pint of real ale, then everything else in the pub, including customer service, quality of food and atmosphere, are likely to be of an equally high standard.”

The pub's manager, Kenny Birmingham, said: “I am delighted that The "Eight Bells" has been recognised for the quality of its real ales by Camra members.

“We offer our customers an excellent range of real ales at all times, including those from regional brewers and microbrewers, as well as hosting our own beer festivals.”

 

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 18 October, 2012. 65p.

WORLD'S BEERS AT PUB'S FESTIVAL

DOVER: Beer enthusiasts will be able to enjoy up to 50 real ales, during a 19-day festival at The "Eight Bells" pub in Cannon Street.

Beers have been sourced from brewers in Japan, Lithuania, Holland, Australia, Canada, Italy, USA and Belgium.

The festival will also feature beers from across the UK and a number of speciality tipples and will run from Wednesday, October 24 to Sunday, November 11.

Pub manager Kenny Birmingham said: “Many of the beers on offer have not been available in the pub beforehand and I am looking forward to serving them.”

Customers will be able to sample any three of the real ales in special third-of-a-pint glasses for the price of a pint. Tasting notes on all of the beers will be available in the pub.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 18 October, 2012. 80p

BEER FESTIVAL PROMISES TO BE A BIG HIT

BEER enthusiasts will be able to enjoy up to 50 real ales, including 10 from overseas, during a 19-day festival at a Dover pub.

It's being held at The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street and the overseas beers will come from brewers in Japan, Lithuania, Holland, Australia, Canada, Italy, USA and Belgium.

The festival, which starts on Wednesday and continues until Sunday, November 11, will also feature beers from across the UK, including speciality beers which have such ingredients as heather, grapefruit and elderberries.

All beers will be priced at £1.99 a pint.

Pub manager Kenny Birmingham said: “The festival will give people the opportunity to enjoy a superb selection of UK and international beers.

“We will be serving the largest selection of overseas beers ever available in the pub, together with a fantastic range of UK beers.

“Many of the beers on offer have not been available in the pub beforehand and I am looking forward to serving them. The festival promises to be great fun.”

Customers will be able to sample any three of the real ales in special third-of-a-pint glasses for the price of a pint and tasting notes on all of the beers will be available.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 28 March, 2013. 80p.

BEER FESTIVAL WILL LAST FOR 19 DAYS

BEER drinkers will be able to enjoy a range of 50 real ales from the UK and overseas during a 19-day beer festival at a Dover pub.

The overseas beers on offer at The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street have been sourced from brewers in New Zealand, Greece, Russia, Canada, USA, Netherlands and Czech Republic.

They will complement the beers from across the UK being served in the pub during the festival.

The festival will run from Wednesday, April 3 until Sunday, April 21 inclusive, with all beers priced at £2.15 a pint.

It will feature new, seasonal and speciality beers, including a passion fruit beer, coffee and chocolate bean beer, wheat beer, blackberry porter, cask lager and a coffee porter.

The overseas beers on sale include Pacific Pearl from New Zealand, Red Racer from Canada, Ionian Coffee Porter from Greece), American ales called Twilight and American Amber, and Siberian Red from Russia.

The ales from the UK have some unusual names such as Willy Nilly, Pursuit of Hoppy-ness, Budding Beauty, Tasmanian Wolf and Continental Drift.

Customers will be able to sample any three of the real ales in special third of a pint glasses for the price of a pint

 

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 4 July, 2013. 70p.

CIDER FESTIVAL

Cider fans will be able to enjoy a range of draught ciders from England, Wales and Northern Ireland during a Dover pub's festival.

The event takes place at The "Eight Bells" in Cannon Street from Wednesday, July 10 until Sunday, July 28.

At least 16 draught ciders will be available.]

Pub manager Kenny Birmingham said: “Cider is the perfect summer drink and I am certain that people will enjoy our fantastic selection.”

 

From the Dover Express, 3 July, 2014.

Cider festival at Eight Bells.

DOVER: Cider fans will be able to enjoy many different varieties of their favourite drink at The "Eight Bells" next week.

The cider festival at the Cannon Street boozer will run from Friday, July 11 until Saturday, July 27.

The pub will offer up to 17 different examples over the 17 days, including some never previously available in the Wetherspoon pub and others produced exclusively for the festival.

The selection will include some ciders with unusual flavours, such as beetroot, rhubarb, ginger and chilli, and a raspberry.

Among those on offer are Somerset Tree Shaker and Doctors Orders at a price of £2.40 a pint.

Pub manager Ken Birmingham said: “Cider is the perfect summer drink and I am certain that people will enjoy our fantastic selection.”

 

From the Dover Express, 18 September 2014.

Cheaper booze at Eight Bells.

DOVER: Wetherspoons’ Eight Bells in Cannon Street, Dover, will drop all of its food and drink prices on one day later this month.

The town centre boozer will cut 7.5 per cent off all its prices on Wednesday, September 24.

Wetherspoons is backing a national “Tax Equality Day”, aimed at highlighting the benefit of a VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.

Prices at its pubs will be reduced for one day only, in order to show the benefits of a VAT reduction to five per cent.

The pub’s manager, Ken Birmingham, said: “We are proud to support the campaign to reduce the level of VAT within the pub industry.”

 

From the Dover Express, 16 October 2014.

Ales on offer.

DOVER: Ten real ales from across the world will be available at The Eight Bells during a 17-day festival.

The drinks on offer at the Wetherspoon pub in Cannon Street have been sourced from brewers in New Zealand, the USA, Holland, Australia, Belgium and Italy. They will complement up to 15 beers from across the UK also being served.

The festival will rim from Friday October 17, to Sunday November 2, inclusive, with all beers priced at £2.05 a pint.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 8 January 2015.

Pub cuts prices for January.

Eight Bells staff 2015

The January sales have started, and the Eight Bells in Cannon Street had reduced the prices of selected meals and drinks.

The promotion came into play on January 5 and will last until January 22.

Seven of the pub’s most regular drinks will be reduced, available from £1.99 and a cup of coffee for 79p.

Mr Birmingham said: “Department stores and shops hold their sales in January, so it is the perfect time to have a sale in the pub too.

“The range of drinks and meals on sale is aimed at suiting a wide variety of tastes and I believe that the January Sale will prove popular with our customers. “As always staff at the pub will serve customers responsibly.”

Eight Bells staff Shantele Williams, Tom Bills, manager Kenny Birmingham and Lizzy Adams.

From the Dover Express, 3 March 2016.

Kenny's loving life as Eight Bells boss.

WHAT is it like to run one of Dover’s most popular pubs? From students to cruise ship passengers, manager of the Eight Bells Kenny Birmingham will have seen all sorts, so reporter Joe Kasper went to the town centre boozer to find out...

Kenny Birmingham

IF you walk down Cannon Street on a weekday morning or afternoon you would be forgiven for thinking it is not as busy as it should be.

But step in to the local JD Wetherspoon and it is buzzing.

This is because the chain wants to offer the whole package, according to The Eight Bells’ manager Kenny Birmingham.

He said: “We want to appeal to everyone - families, students, old people. It’s a meeting place - people come in to relax and there’s a very relaxed atmosphere in the morning. That’s the idea of Wetherspoons.

“A lot of mothers now meet here, retired people meet here and students during the holidays.”

The former Dover Grammar School for Boys student has been employed by Spoons for nine years, working his way up from a pint puller.

It was during his studies at Canterbury Christ Church University when his love affair began with the chain. The Thomas Ingoldsby in the city would be his first port of call.

Mr Birmingham said: “I quite enjoyed it - the company has a lot to offer and I’ve always worked in a good team and the camaraderie is great.

“Now I have to deal with licences, health and safety, food hygiene, rotas, employment and stocks.”

Regulars.

Now living in Temple Ewell with his fiancée and two twin daughters, Mr Birmingham is loving life at the Cannon Street boozer.

He said: “I’m a Dovorian and I know a lot of people in Dover and get on with the regulars really well.

“In our team we have a mix - it’s a close knit of 30. There are few students who work part-time as we offer flexible working hours.”

But being a born and bred Dovorian, at the age of 28, Mr Birmingham has seen some changes inside the pub and outside.

“We don’t see as many shoppers as we once did,” he said.

“I think Dover needs to make more of the tourism really it’s key and it’s a very historic town.

“I think Dover needs a bit of investment which is here and is coming but particularly for something for people to do in the evening."

But what of the pub game?

Well recently Friday and Saturday nights have not been the busiest periods and alcoholic tipples are not the sole reason for entering a Spoons.

Mr Birmingham said: “During the mornings and the afternoons is when we’re busiest.

“People come in and have breakfast and coffee - we have free filter coffee refills up to 2pm. We’ve seen a big growth on food -Wetherspoons is getting a lot more behind it.

“People from the cruises will come in off the street. They want the traditional stuff - fish and chips and ale.

“We’ve also seen a big rise in gin recently.”

We’ll say cheers to that!

The pub will host an ale festival from March 11 to 27.

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 18 November 2017.

The fascinating reason Dover's Wetherspoon's is called The Eight Bells.

Wetherspoon's tend to name their public houses after something locally significant, so...

JD Wetherspoon say they take the naming of their pubs "very seriously".

And if you took a moment to consider some of the Spoons in Kent this becomes very easily apparent.

Take the pub in Deal for example, named the "Norman Wisdom."

One of the country’s best-loved comedians, Wisdom was born into an impoverished family and, at an early age, was sent to live in Deal.]

Aged 14, he took a succession of jobs in London, later becoming one of the highest-paid British stars of his day.

The pub, named after him, was previously the town's job centre.

But have you ever stopped to think about the name behind Dover's Wetherspoon pub? Why is it called "The Eight Bells"?

Well, surprisingly, the name is not actually to do with the building that houses the pub itself, the former "Metropole Hotel."

It's actually to do with a building nearby...

The Eight Bells stands in the shadow of St Mary’s, one of Dover’s main parish churches for more than 400 years.

It was rebuilt in 1843, except for the tower, which has the eight bells - and according to Wetherspoon this was the inspiration for the pub's name.

The church's bells were originally made by Samuel Knight in 1724.

In 1898, at the time the tower again restored, the bells were rehung in a new frame by John Warner & Sons, who recast the treble bell.

The bells have since then been rehung twice, in 1947 and 2002 and remain one of the oldest surviving features of the church mentioned in the Domesday Book.

From the Dover Mercury, 22 November 2017.

‘Exceptional’ loo gets judges going.

A pub has won top prize for the quality and standards of its toilets in the Loo of the Year Awards 2017.

The Eight Bells in Cannon Street, Dover, has been awarded a platinum star rating in the this year’s competition.

It has been placed in the category of “exceptional”.

The awards, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, are to highlight and improve standards of non-home toilet provision across the UK.

The loos are judged against criteria such as decor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

Sean Hicks, manager at the Wetherspoon pub, said: “Staff ensure that the toilets are in first-class condition at all times.

“It is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors.”

 

From the Dover Mercury, 30 November 2017. By Andy Robinson.

Pub’s loos join the roll of honour in national awards.

Eight Bells toilets 2017

Inspectors so impressed with toilets at Eight Bells they’re awarded highest rating.

A DOVER pub has been awarded a platinum star rating in the Loo of the Year Awards 2017 - the highest grade possible.

The Eight Bells in Canon Street, which is run by the Wetherspoon chain, evidently impressed inspectors on an unannounced visit.

The awards, which celebrate their 30th anniversary this year, are aimed at highlighting and improving , standards of “away from home” toilet provision across the UK.

All of the lavatories are graded from bronze to platinum, with the highest grade given only to locations which offer “exceptional toilets”.

Cleanliness.

The toilets are judged against numerous criteria, including decor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

The Eight Bells is managed by Sean Hicks.

Mr Hicks said: “We are delighted with the award. Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in first-class condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors.”

The Loo of the Year Awards 2017 managing director, Mike Bone, said: “The toilets at The Eight Bells have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

“The pub richly deserves its platinum award.”

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Jee, 22 March 2023.

Wetherspoon applies for permission to demolish former Legends nightclub in Dover to extend The Eight Bells.

Wetherspoon bosses have unveiled plans to demolish an abandoned nightclub in order to build a £3m extension and a new pub garden.

Legends Nightclub 2023

The former Legends venue in Dover could be flattened under proposals put forward to transform The Eight Bells in Cannon Street. Picture: Deep South Media.

The national chain wants to knock down the single-storey building which used to house the nightclub - and carry out a dramatic redesign of the pub's interior.

Some nearby businesses fear it could result in more noise coming from the branch and could hit trade at other drinking spots.

But others say if it brings more visitors to the town it "has to be a good thing".

Planning documents submitted to Dover District Council (DDC) say: "The proposal is to improve the design of the premises by relocating ground floor toilet facilities, kitchen and garden to the currently unused Legends night club including the external garden are.

"This will allow the main customer area to be more open-plan than as is at present.

"Other works will include repairs and improvements to the existing features, to highlight their historical significance, whilst simultaneously complying with current building standards.

"The external works will match the existing materials to ensure the building's character is retained."

Bosses also want to make the pub "distinctive, safer and pleasant," as well as "easy to get to and move around in, welcoming, adaptable and resource-efficient."

The total cost of the "high specification" development is expected to be around £2.9 million, according to the plans.

Historically part of a cinema building, the Legends nightclub is now a stripped-out shell having been abandoned for years.

It went up for auction in May 2017, failing to sell at £250,000 and being re-listed a few weeks later at £200,000.

Attached to the back of the pub, the entire building will be demolished, with part of its floor space being used for the extension of the pub building, with the rest earmarked for a new pub garden.

The new plans are currently available to view, with residents invited to comment in support or against the development.

The news has divided business owners in Cannon Street, with some feeling it is the "wrong move" for the town.

Sandra Malho, who owns cafe La Salle Verte four doors down from the pub, said: "I don't think it's right. Other businesses in the town already have problems – small businesses can't make any money because their [Wetherspoon's] drinks are so cheap.

"We also have too much noise from the pub already and I'm worried this will make it worse. I would have liked to see something else to have happened to the old nightclub to bring people to the town in general rather than just going there [The Eight Bells.

However, Dave Robinson, owner of Vinoteq Wine Bar and Venue, said that it was "good to see Wetherspoons investing in Dover".

"They are closing down or selling pubs across the country so a £3m investment shows some faith in the town," he added.

"We're a wine bar so I'm not concerned that it'll impact our trade, and if it brings more people into the town it has got to be a good thing.

"I trust that given peoples' concerns about noise, 'Spoons will have a plan to deal with that."

Cannon Street 1909

The scene in Cannon Street in 1909, including the Metropole Hotel (Picture courtesy of Dover Museum)

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The Eight Bells has been a popular Wetherspoon pub in Dover for many years.

“We are always aiming to offer our customers the best possible pub and the project to increase the size of the pub and create a beer garden highlights the company’s commitment to the pub and its customers as well as Dover itself.”

The Eight Bells pub occupies part of a building which was home to the former Metropole Hotel.

It opened as a Wetherspoon pub in 1997, having been home to Millets outdoor clothing store.

It stands in the shadow of St Mary’s Church, which was totally rebuilt in 1843, except for the tower, which has the eight bells, giving the pub its name.

 

LICENSEE LIST

PILLING Timothy 1997-98+

WAYMARK Steve 2007-Mar/12 Next pub licensee had

BIRMINGHAM Kenny Mar/2012-17

HICKS Sean 2017+

 

If anyone should have any further information, or indeed any pictures or photographs of the above licensed premises, please email:-

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