The Crown Inn, Ramsgate Road, Sarre

Image: © Jo and Steve Turner Taken: 7 Jul 2016

Grade II Listed 16th century timber framed inn clad in the 18th century. A number of famous patrons are listed on the external boards such as Charles Dickens who frequented the premises largely for its Cherry Brandy, made to its own recipe since 1685. It is known locally as the 'Cherry Brandy House'. Shepherd Neame, the owners, tell us that 'It is thought to have started life as a coffee house and features a priest-hole'. A post card of around 1910 is endorsed with 'The "Crown" Inn. Estd. 1666'. Licensees include 1777 Mr Richford, 1821-1841 Francis Thomas Sharp Holmes, 1841 Sarah Holms, 1847-1890 Thomas William Pay, 1891 Samuel James Pointon, 1900-1903 John Albert Wright, 1911 Alfred Loft, 1918-1922 Louisa Grant, 1928-1930 Richard Henry Linds, 1938-39 Col. George Hamilton Gordon DSO, CMG and 1946 Henry Clements. East Kent Mercury in August 1989 reported that the inn had closed 'for a six month £500,000 refit' including the addition of 10 letting rooms, dining room and kitchen. They also claim it to have been built in 1492. Unsurprisingly the inn reputedly has a ghost of a smuggler, his life having been taken in the early 1800s.

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