City of London
The City of London was built in the sixteenth century as a coaching inn. The lower bars on the high street were the stabling area of the original inn. It is the establishment mentioned in the Dr Syn stories as the Seawall Tavern. There is a story of how the Seawall Tavern became the City of London. During a great storm in 1775 a ship called the City of London was ship wrecked off the coast of Dymchurch, with a great loss of life. So great was the storm and so gigantic the waves, that the ship was tossed up over the sea wall and crashed into the tavern, causing great damage to the building. The tavern was restored using timbers from the colossal wreck and ,as a commemoration for all the people who were killed, the tavern changed its name to the City of London. The figurehead of that ship now stands in the New Hall. The signboard hanging outside the inn depicts the arms of the City of London, which incorporate Wat Tyler’s dagger. Wat Tyler was a man of Kent who in 1381 during the reign of Richard II, led an armed revolt against a tax levied on the populous, a poll tax. They marched on Canterbury and took Rochester Castle, then continued to march on to London. In a meeting between the rebels and the Lord Mayor of London the goodly Mayor stabbed Wat Tyler to death.
The building has recently been refurbished to provide a friendly local pub in the centre of the village which now has bars on two levels. The upper level is convenient for the beach and local facilities and the lower level is used for dining, light entertainment and functions, including an art gallery.
The pub includes free Wi-Fi, and sky sports shown throughout the day as well as real ale, a pub garden and a real fire.
Live music is played on occasions and dogs are free to enter.
The establishment is rated 7th of 15 restaurants in Dymchurch and is well known for their large Sunday roast dinners.
Opening times:
12 noon – 11pm
Opens 11am in the summer months.
Food is served:
Monday – Friday : 12 – 2:30 (Lunchtime) and 6 – 9 Pm (Evening meals)
Saturday : 12 noon – 9pm
Sunday : 12 noon – 5pm
