Coastguard, St Margaret’s Bay

Britain’s nearest pub to France, The Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay has kept watch on the seafront for more than 300 years – and has a legendary connection to Britain’s most famous spy.

In 1951, James Bond creator Ian Fleming purchased White Cliffs, a house situated nearby and owned from 1945 by renowned English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer Noel Coward. The surrounding area provided inspiration for Fleming’s Moonraker, the only Bond novel to be sent entirely in Britain. White Cliffs still stands, and is depicted in the sign outside The Coastguard. Within this sign, a more subtle reference to the 007 connection can be found: Fleming’s face hidden within the cliff-face.   

Aside from that, the pub itself is inspired by maritime heritage, with a red and white lighthouse-style fascia and boat-shaped planters and lifebuoys dotted around the beautiful front veranda – where an outside bar and barbecue set the scene for summer. In winter, the pub offers a haven for those enjoying a bracing walk along Dover’s famed White Cliffs. Inside, the nautical theme continues, with a warm and welcome offered to all who come aboard.