Win a Stay and Dinner at the Newly Refurbished Duke of Cumberland in Whitstable

To celebrate the Duke of Cumberland’s meticulous refurbishment and to introduce readers to the joys of Shepherd Neame, the delights of Whitstable and the glories of the Garden of England, we are offering one lucky reader the chance to enjoy an overnight stay and dinner for two.

Jonathan Ray, The Spectator's drinks editor, says: ‘Family-owned Shepherd Neame of Faversham, Kent, is Britain’s oldest brewer (Est:1698) and one of our very finest. I was brought up in God’s Chosen County and weaned on Sheps’ excellent beers and ales and have never lost my taste for them, sinking a pint of Spitfire or Bishops Finger whenever I can.

And I need little encouragement to visit one of Shepherd Neame’s 300-plus pubs, scattered across London and the south-east. Indeed, I popped into a couple only the other week during a nostalgic return to Whitstable, where I once lived, namely the New Inn and Duke of Cumberland.

I have particularly fond memories of the New Inn which, back in the day, boasted a saloon bar, public bar and jug bar and a nonagenarian landlady whose maths was so bad – and whose ancient wooden till didn’t stretch to such things – that she let the punters tot up the cost of each round themselves, after which she returned to take the cash which, invariably, had been rounded up and included ‘something for yourself’. She was nothing if not canny.

The D of C I barely recognised. When last I visited, it was a sticky-floored, bouncer-barred music venue of the most delightfully grubby kind and I remember many happy nights deep in its mosh pit. Today it couldn’t be more different. It’s had a complete makeover and while still catering for pub-loving beer drinkers with an excellent, well-stocked bar, it now also boasts a very decent restaurant serving local steaks, chops, fresh fish and pasta and first-rate puddings including the fabled Kentish gypsy tart.

There are eight beautifully decorated and accoutered rooms upstairs and the location couldn’t be more central, being in the heart of town with its cafés, boutiques and jewellery shops and just yards from the beach.’

Good luck!

Terms and conditions: The competition closes on 30 April 2024. One prize available. One winner will receive a one-night overnight stay for two at The Duke of Cumberland, Whitstable including a three-course evening meal with a drink (Shepherd Neame draught beer, 175ml house wine or a soft drink – 16oz Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, bottled juice or 330ml Kingsdown Still or Sparking), and breakfast. Prize must be redeemed within 12 months of winning. Prize is non-transferable. Rooms and dates subject to availability. 18+, UK only, no cash alternative and no budget for travel is included.

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*For full terms and conditions please click here.