In 1848, the Lucky Escape> did not live up to its name, and ran aground just east of Sheerness. It was just one of at least 200 ships that have foundered over the centuries in the waters of this north coast of Kent. The locals thought it was their lucky day when barrels, possibly of whisky, began to wash ashore.

Only a few years before, a workman's hut had been converted into a pub known locally as the Shanty; it was to here that the booty was dragged. To the dismay of the publican and the locals, the barrels turned out to be full of Portland cement. As the cement hardened, it was obvious that it would not be going very far, so the resourceful publican used it to build a most unusual grotto and celebrated the event by renaming his pub the "Ship-On-Shore.".

The grotto earned its keep over the years. Sheerness was once peppered with pubs; by the First World War, there were over 70 in the area. This local attraction ensured a regular supply of customers for the otherwise lonely tavern and the grotto is now a grade II listed building.

Ship On Shore
155 Marine Parade, Sheerness, ME12 2BX
tel : 01795 662880