Popular Kent pub with a spectacular castle backdrop sold at auction

A popular Kent pub with a spectacular backdrop of a castle has been sold at auction. The Golden Lion pub which dates back to the 1800s went under the hammer with Clive Emson Auctioneers.

The pub sits on a corner in Dover and the view in the background is pretty special - it's Dover Castle in its prominent position on a hill. The pub has 4.5 stars out of a possible five on Tripadvisor, from 13 reviews.

The latest review says: "We were staying overnight in Dover having driven down the country. We called into The Golden Lion by chance. We had our dogs with us. We were given a very warm welcome and had a lovely evening chatting to the landlady and locals. Will visit again."

READ MORE: Another case of potentially deadly virus found in UK

READ MORE: PIP fears over bid to swap £737 payments with vouchers that has not been ruled out

The pub has an L-shaped bar, a kitchen, spacious basement and there is accommodation on the first floor. The pub in Priory Street fetched its guide price of £180,000. The auctioneers said the pub was "currently operating under management who might be willing to remain for the new owner".

The Golden Lion sits near the A256 roundabout with the Folkestone Road. On its Facebook profile, the pub team says it's a "cracking local pub, friendly locals with a great atmosphere".

'A popular pub'

Jon Rimmer of Clive Emson Auctioneers said the pub was "a well-known and popular corner pub" and the manager's accommodation which had three bedrooms "does need improvement".

A check on the planning portal of Dover District Council shows there have been no planning applications for the site since March 1988. This was for a first floor extension and enclosure of the yard, which was approved.