The First & Last, so named as it is obviously the first or last pub in England when travelling via Dover, is an ancient house (partly dating back 550 years) tucked away in a quiet back street.
Food is served all day from 7am onwards – breakfasts and pub fare are the mainstays of the menu, and there are darts, pool, cards, dominoes and board games available for entertainment, as well as a large screen TV showing sports or sometimes other channels. In addition, the pub hosts many events, with live music every weekend, open mic nights and a monthly traditional meat raffle.
In the old days it was the haunt of local smugglers, but an unspoken truce reigned in the bar, with the customs men frequenting one side, while the bootleggers occupied the other.
If you happen to be enjoying one of the CAMRA award winning real ales beside the fire you might just meet Jerry, the ghost of an old landlord who died in the corner of the bar – not to mention the nine other landlords who apparently died on the premises in the pub’s long history.
The walls are covered with old photos, pictures, and memorabilia illustrating Dover’s past, obviously featuring much to do with WWII and the Battle of Britain. The portrait of Winston Churchill has an additional secret only revealed under UV light – if you happen to be there when it is switched on!
Outside there is a covered smoking area, with heating and lighting.