The Red Lion, Snargate
Although the Red Lion is the most common pub name in the UK, there is nothing ordinary about that to be found at Snargate. Whilst the word is greatly overused, this pub is truly a classic. But don’t expect any mod cons here; electricity was only installed in the 1970s – and even now is just limited to one fitting in each bar, and supplemented by candles in the evening.
Dating from 1540, this two-storey building with white rendered façade was formerly known as the Shepherd & Lamb and once even served as a minor coaching inn. From the outside, the pub today appears pleasant on the eye but not that remarkable; yet this belies what lies within.
The history of this iconic pub has so been dominated by its late but long-serving landlady that it is still more commonly known just as “Doris’s”. And this is not just a name used locally – it is not stretching credibility too far to say that this small, unassuming hostelry on Romney Marsh has a worldwide reputation, and many real ale aficionados undertake regular “pilgrimages” to the place.
Doris Jemison used to make shirts in Penge before joining the Land Army and being posted to a farm at Snargate in WWII., but never left! The pub at that time belonged to her future husband, and before that his father, so has now been in the family for over a hundred years (from 1911). The couple ran it “just how the men liked it”, avoiding any frills and ostentation.
When she was widowed in the mid-1980s, Doris pledged to keep it just the same; no-one could argue that she failed to keep her word. The pub has accordingly remained virtually unchanged since the war. The central bar boasts a 200-year-old clock (the dominant ticking of which transports you back to another era), whilst the bar surface itself is an antique marble slab. There are also two other rooms: a games room; and a back room with piano.
All are decorated with WWII memorabilia, and the Land Army features heavily in posters and newspaper cuttings of the time. The handpumps are just for show, as beer is dispensed direct from the barrel. The only food that you will be offered is crisps, other packaged savoury items and pickled onions, but customers are welcome to bring their own meals.
It almost goes without saying that there are no jukeboxes or games machines. The Red Lion has, however, proudly maintained its reputation for supporting traditional entertainment. Where else could you still play pre-WWI games such as toad in the hole, shove halfpenny, devil-amongst-the-tailors, shut-the-box and nine men’s morris? At one time, skittles, bar billiards and the ancient Kentish game of bat and trap were also played here, and the pub was home to a goal running team.
You might expect that, with a pub such as this, the toilets would be outside. And you’d be right. Also outside is a wonderful little garden – secluded, but a suntrap at the right time of day. The garden comes complete with free range chickens and other fowl – again, totally in keeping with the ambience of the pub. A recent innovation has been the staging of a beer festival in the summer, with up to 20 local brews available – on tap, needless to say. As part of this festival, music is staged in the garden.
Doris Jemison sadly passed away in 2016 but, after a short period of closure, the Red Lion reopened under the management of her two daughters. There are many apart from lovers of real ale who care passionately that it continues to flourish; famous patrons (who have signed the Visitors’ Book) include legendary musicians Paul McCartney and Lol Crème.