Shepherd Neame’s iconic beachside pub, the Zetland Arms, at Kingsdown, has a new look, and a new winter menu.
The bar at the Zetland Arms
The changes are all thanks to the arrival of new licensee Chris Hicks six months ago. His goal has been to make the pub a destination in its own right.
Chris, and his wife Alex, also owns The Rose, a hotel, bar and restaurant, and The Blue Pelican, a townhouse with Japanese-inspired dining, both in nearby Deal.
“It is a lovely pub,” he said. “I love the informality of this place. It feels like a pub institution, as everyone knows it, and it is here to serve the community. I feel very strongly about that — I want everyone to feel welcome here.”
He added: “People do come for its location, of course, but I want to make sure that the ambiance of the building, and what we have to offer, make it somewhere you want to come, regardless of the view and whatever the weather.”
Licensee Chris Hicks with manager Paul Claydon outside the new-look Zetland Arms
The informal nature of the pub has been enhanced with the introduction of a piano, which has been used for several impromptu singalongs. There are more music events coming up, including a ceilidh, as well as a monthly pub quiz.
Chris, who with his team, makes sure the open fire in the bar area is lit at all times during the winter months, added: “Our redecoration hopefully demonstrates our love for the pub, enhancing all its unique features and making it a warm, cosy environment for people to simply drop in for a drink while out on a dog walk, or gather as a group for a meal.
Manager Paul Claydon, who previously ran the Black Douglas coffee house in Deal, and has been friends with Chris for some years, said: “Kingsdown is a beautiful place throughout the year and we wanted to make The Zetland a place people think to come to, even when they’re not necessarily coming to hang on the beach. We have concentrated on the ambiance inside and it feels fantastic.”
