Mr. Kennett Mentioned 1525 Renamed George 1700. Renamed Cheker 1988
Peter Duffy 1988 1989
Alan Drysdale 1989 1994 Also Royal Standard 1992-94
Alan Drysdale and Jonathon Shaw 1994 1996
Kathleen Hills 1996 1997 To Red Witch
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| Photo from Folkestone Herald |
Folkestone Herald
14-9-1990
Local News
Pub landlord Alan Drysdale lifted a hefty sackful of
about £700 worth of coins with his mouth for charity – and lost three front
teeth. Alan`s disaster came after a challenge in his pub, The Cheker,
Folkestone, to lift the coins, poured into a sheet, with the mouth or a single
arm. He managed to pull the lot up about two feet – then the strain got too
much and his front teeth fell out.
Barman Tommy Clarke said “I don`t think he was in pain and he didn`t draw blood. Everybody just laughed and he laughed with them”.
The cash was given to William Harvey Hospital children`s ward and presented to staff nurse Mark Dolman.
The money had been collected since the spring in two
outsize bottles of cognac and vodka. Alan, 36, said “I haven`t been to the
dentist yet – but it was a good night”.
Folkestone Herald
4-1-1991
Local News
Help will be given to a children`s ward, thanks to
generous pub-goers. Customers of the Cheker, in George Lane, have raised £500
in three months for the William Harvey children`s ward. The money was collected
by landlord Alan Drysdale in two gallon whisky bottles. Now Alan wants to raise
money for the families of the six fishermen drowned at Inverness.
Folkestone Herald
2-10-1997
Local News
One of Shepway`s oldest pubs is set for a relaunch
offering people a taste of the Emerald Isle and Scottish Highlands. The Cheker,
in George Lane, Folkestone, dates back to 1426, and has now been refitted and
renamed the Thistle and Shamrock. Famous drinkers are said to have included
Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells and William Harvey. Landlady Caroline Andrewartha,
originally from Scotland, is looking forward to the opening. She added “There
will be a fabulous atmosphere”. The new pub officially opens for business on
Saturday, October 4.
Folkestone Herald
23-10-1997
Advertising Feature
On Saturday, 4 October, Folkestone saw the transformation
of its oldest ale house (The Cheker) into The Thistle and Shamrock.
Since the successful opening, the customer base has
grown, and landlady Caroline says ”We constantly see lots of new faces coming
back for more”. The variety of live bands appearing, combined with the
authentic Celtic atmosphere is obviously payi8ng off!
The history of the ale house dates back to 1426 when, as
The Cheker, people used to come and pay their taxes. Failure to pay meant
people would be locked in the cells below or even hanged. Charles Dickens, H.G.
Wells and William Harvey are all supposed to have drank there.
Caroline moved to Folkestone from Scotland in 1979, and
this is not the first ale house she`s been in. With over ten years experience
in the trade, she always dreamt of owning a free-house of her own. When The
Cheker came up for sale last year, Caroline knew this was the pub for her, and
could see so much potential and character in the building.
The Thistle and Shamrock, situated in George Lane (behind
the Albion Bookshop) has been totally transformed and now boasts a wood floor
and cable spool tables, together with a great selection of Celtic beers and
spirits. Celtic bar snacks are available, which include Scotch Broth, Irish
Stew, and Stovies, all served with crust bread ,and being ideal winter warmers.
Caroline has been overwhelmed by the positive comments
from both old and new customers and feels that she is providing the public of
Folkestone with what they need – a very comfortable and relaxed atmosphere
where anyone can feel free to call in for a quick cup of coffee, especially
when out on those often laborious Christmas shopping trips!
Caroline wants to encourage shoppers to take advantage of
the open fire which is now being lit every day, and during the festive season
will be serving home-made game soup, pheasant and grouse, original bar snacks,
rabbit stew, etc. Each day in December will be like Christmas Day, with plenty
of food, drink and music, and if you are a local band, Caroline is keen to hear
from you!
If you still require an office Christmas Party venue and
can`t decide where to go, The Thistle and Shamrock could be the ideal place for
you. Call Caroline, who will be only too pleased to inform you of her Christmas
and New Year listings.
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