The Belle Vue Tavern has a wealth of history dating back to the early 18th century, when smuggling tunnels linked the pub to cottages across the road. “Big Jim”, the village blacksmith, led the Pegwell gang. It’s said that a former gardener at the tavern drowned on one of his nocturnal “runs” to recover contraband from the moonlit bay, which was cached in the cellars of the tavern.

By the beginning of the 19th century, the inn was receiving the patronage of royalty. In 1830, the Duchess of Kent and her daughter Princess Victoria visited the pub and its renowned tea gardens, sampling the local shrimps offered by “mine host” John Cramp, who received the royal appointment as “Purveyor of Essence of Shrimps in ordinary to Her Majesty the Queen.

At the Belle Vue, you will be guaranteed a warm welcome, delicious food, and spectacular views. If you’re looking for great food, you’ll find it here. We also offer entertainment, with live music gigs leading the charge.

The “Balcony of Kent” at the rear of the pub offers some of the best sea views in Kent – across Pegwell Bay and out to The Channel. It’s a great place to book for your next private function, catch the sea air, and (being South facing) enjoy lots of Kentish sunshine and spectacular sunsets.

We look forward to welcoming you here soon!