The Pilot
Located in Lydd-on-Sea, the Pilot public house sits on the edge of one of the most unique settings in the country, the shingle desert of Dungeness. The sea is a stone’s throw away and views extend to the White Cliffs and France.
This busy family friendly pub is renowned for its fish and chips but also a wide range of other freshly-cooked dishes. The Dungeness National Nature Reserve, RSPB Bird Sanctuary and Dungeness Nuclear Power Station are nearby.
Dogs are welcome in the Captain's Cabin bar and in the garden.
There is a large car park.
Opening Hours
The Pilot is open:
Monday to Saturday Sunday
Bar: 11am -10pm Bar: 11am to 9pm
Food: 12noon – 9pm Food: 12noon to 8pm
01797 320314
History
The origins of the name of The Pilot goes back at least 150 years. There is historical documentary evidence going back at least 150 years that the main bar building of The Pilot was constructed by upturning the hull of a Spanish ship called the ‘Alfresia’ which was deliberately wrecked by the locals in 1633, they murdered the crew and stole the cargo of brandy and gold.
Many old photographs (see photo right) show that the original building was indeed made from what looks like the hull of a boat, the timber spars can be clearly seen in pictures inside the Pilot.
The Pilot in c1909 was located it was on the corner as you enter Dungeness, next to the phone box i.e before the railway crossing and opposite the Watering House.
When the New Pilot was built in 1958 the interior was constructed with curved ceilings and large beams to carry on the tradition.
The Pilot c1909
