CELLAR BAR
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Blakes of Dover

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A charming pub and restaurant in Dover, renowned for its chef-owner, cozy cellar bar, live music, and hearty British cuisine.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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CELLAR BAR

Blakes of Dover

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming pub and restaurant in Dover, renowned for its chef-owner, cozy cellar bar, live music, and hearty British cuisine.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A great find with amazing food, friendly service, and a warm, cozy atmosphere perfect for any evening."

TIP

Tuesday Quiz & Live Music

Join the fun on Tuesday nights for quiz night or enjoy live bands on select evenings.

Try the Cask Ale

Guests highly recommend the cask ale; it's a must-try for beer enthusiasts.

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Quick Facts

Cuisine

British Pub

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 1304 202194

Address

52 Castle St., Dover, CT16 1PJ, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chef-Owned Culinary Delights

Chef-Owned Culinary Delights

Experience exceptional British cuisine crafted by the owner-chef, offering a personal touch to every dish, from hearty lamb shanks to fresh seafood.

Google Review+1
Cozy Cellar Bar & Live Music

Cozy Cellar Bar & Live Music

Discover a warm and friendly atmosphere in the exposed brick cellar bar, enhanced by live music nights and engaging conversations.

TikTokGoogle Review+1
Unique Dining Experiences

Unique Dining Experiences

Choose between the intimate basement pub or the upstairs restaurant, both offering a distinct ambiance and enjoyable meals.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Broken Strings Medley performing at Blakes of Dover #acouaticduo #livemusic #brokenstrings #acoustic #acousticcovers #acousticguitar #fyp @BrokenStrings Acoustic Duo @MarilynSkyMusicMumma @Jake Clapson @🦋 🩷🌻Steph 🇨🇵 🇬🇧
@rbavingtonjones
41 likes • 541 views

Tuesday Quiz & Live Music

Join the fun on Tuesday nights for quiz night or enjoy live bands on select evenings.

Try the Cask Ale

Guests highly recommend the cask ale; it's a must-try for beer enthusiasts.

Row, Me Bully Boys, Row! Open Mic Night - Blake's of Dover #shanty #seashanty #livemusic #busking #streetmusic #streetperformer #folk #folksong #folkmusic #singer #folksinger #streetsinger #openmic #openmicnight #pirate #sailor
@cptbenzie
58 likes • 864 views
#shanty #shantytiktok #livemusic #seashanty #seashantytiktok #blakesofdover #dovercliffs #genx #fyp @Benjamin Kelly - AuDHD Pirate @🦋 🩷🌻Steph 🇨🇵 🇬🇧
@rbavingtonjones
36 likes • 406 views

Upstairs or Downstairs?

The upstairs restaurant opens at 7 pm, while the basement pub offers a different experience.

✨ Blakes of Dover ✨ Wonderful place #dover #england #england🇬🇧 #doverengland #tiktok #bestplaces #tiktokuk #bar #beergarden
@maggie.tmprinting
4 likes • 756 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Tuesday Quiz & Live Music

Join the fun on Tuesday nights for quiz night or enjoy live bands on select evenings.

Try the Cask Ale

Guests highly recommend the cask ale; it's a must-try for beer enthusiasts.

Upstairs or Downstairs?

The upstairs restaurant opens at 7 pm, while the basement pub offers a different experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Blakes of Dover offers a warm and friendly pub atmosphere with a strong emphasis on home-cooked British food, often praised for its quality and flavor. The owner, who is also the chef, adds a personal touch. While many enjoy the attentive service, live music, and cozy cellar bar, some reviews mention issues with food preparation or an unwelcoming atmosphere. The cask ale and specific dishes like lamb shanks and Dover sole are frequently highlighted as favorites.

"11 out of 10! Food - Amazing! (Owner is a chef!) Bar service -- Attentive and caring. Entertainment - considerate (noise checked so you can converse) and great banter too! Atmosphere - ambient, war, friendly and cosy. Great find for a spontaneous Wednesday evening. Recommend to all in, or if you are simply passing through town."

A S

"Amazing food. Super tasty and fresh. Loved it.
Had a great chat with Joe about his life in India and so much more. We were pretty much the last ones to leave — and I couldn’t be happier visiting this nice and cozy place. 100% must visit the basement pub/ restaurant.

PS - The cask ale is kickass too, do try."

Goonjan Mall

"Visited and stopped here few years ago. Visited again for food its hardly changed great night good beer fun quiz and the lionesses beat Italy. Woke up with a banging head. All in all a good night."

pete bate

What People Like

Delicious food prepared by the owner-chef
Warm and friendly atmosphere with attentive service
Live music and engaging entertainment

What People Dislike

Occasional issues with food quality/presentation
Inconsistent atmosphere/service

Frequently Asked Questions

Blakes of Dover is known for its owner-chef, hearty British cuisine, cozy cellar bar, live music nights, and friendly atmosphere.

TikTokGoogle Review+1

Yes, they host a popular quiz night on Tuesdays and often have live music on other evenings.

TikTokGoogle Review

Popular dishes include lamb shanks and Dover sole. The cask ale is also highly recommended.

Google Review+1

The basement is a pub/restaurant, while the upstairs restaurant typically opens later, offering different experiences.

Yes, it's a great spot for both locals and tourists passing through, offering a memorable dining experience.

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⋆ DOVER BACKPACKERS HOSTEL ⋆ DOVER ⋆ UNITED KINGDOM ⋆ RATES FROM £25

For dinner, guests have the option of dining at Castle Take-Away, located relatively close to Dover Backpackers Hostel, or at Blakes of Dover Restaurant, situated 13 minutes' walk away. Guest-oriented meal services at the accommodation also include shopping service. Well-connected to many sights, the hostel is just a 5-minute stroll from Connaught Road bus station.

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BLAKES OF DOVER Pubs of Dover

NEW beers, changed menus and more choice of wines are some of the plans the owners have for Blakes of Dover in Castle Street. Peter and Kathryn Garstin have just the bought the business, which incorporates a bar, restaurant and overnight accommodation.

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