Prince of Wales, Herne Bay

This pub gives an excellent idea of how pubs were laid out and fitted up c.1900. Plans were drawn up for it in 1893 but the Art Nouveau details of some of the internal glasswork suggest work was going on in Edwardian times. The sense of separate rooms is conveyed by the different room names in the door and window glass, and a screen still with its door dividing the main bar into two. On the right is a large ‘Lounge and Tea Room’, evidently planned with holidaymakers in mind.

There are 'Billiards' etched panels on the two doors from the smoke room from which it may have changed. An excellent refurbishment by owners, Shepherd Neame, in 2005 preserved the old work and created a small snug in the left-hand part, using a formerly redundant office space. Modern counter: the bar-back is from 2005 replacing modern work. There was an off-sales shop (in addition to the jug & bottle) which was later turned into a private bar, wording still on inner door. The room behind the bar brought into use after the refurbishment was originally an office and has tall wooden doors hatch for service. Note the penny in the old slot on a toilet door in the gents.Retains the old snob screens in the cellar. Shepherd Neame wanted to remove the screen but the Landlord preserved it. Has a 'Ladies Gin Room' window.