A prominent town centre pub poised beneath one of Kent’s best-known landmarks is set to go under the hammer.
With Dover Castle in the background, The Golden Lion has been situated on the corner of Priory Street since the 1800s.
Now, the owners have decided to sell with auctioneer Clive Emson putting a £180,000 guide price on the property – the suggested minimum amount.
Forming part of a string of businesses on the A256, The Golden Lion benefits from a kitchen a new owner could utilise alongside the L-shaped bar.
It also has a loyal base of customers and has gathered a reputation for showing live sports.
While the pub is currently open, Clive Emson bosses say negotiation for future landlord contracts would be required.
The auctioneer says: “A vacant freehold public house situated on the corner of Priory Street and the A256 which forms the main ring road around Dover.
“The building has trading accommodation on the ground floor along with manager’s accommodation which has three-bedrooms at first floor level and is in need of improvement.”
Clive Emson says it has been unable to internally inspect the property, urging interested parties to “rely on their own investigations to verify the information provided”.
“We have been informed the pub is currently operated under management,” it added.
“The current management might be willing to remain, subject to negotiation with the new owner.”
While the first record of Golden Lion comes from 1841, it is considered likely a similarly-named tavern – The Golden Lyon – was the same establishment.
It could mean the spot dates back to at least 1713, when it featured on a list of inns and innkeepers in the seafront town.
KentOnline contacted the landlord for comment.
