The Rose in Bloom was built in 1861 and was originally a weather board cottage which stood where the car park is today. The Inn was positioned on a pathway which led from the beach between Seasalter and Whitstable to Scab’s Acre and served the needs of many smugglers.
Scab’s Acre was later destroyed by the railway cutting, but the start of the route can clearly be seen on Turner’s famous painting of Whitstable.
In 1898, Mackeson’s, the Hythe brewer, purchased the property and started to build the current “Rose In Bloom” alongside the old alehouse.
The original alehouse was converted into the private dwelling called “Treetops”, but was demolished in the 1930’s. The “Rose In Bloom” took its name from one of the best known Bawley boats which was engaged in fishing in the famous “Pollard” oyster beds, which belonged to the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury.
The freehold of the pub is now owned by Enterprise Inns. During the last fifteen years it has diversified into a successful pub and restaurant business run with care, commitment and dedication by Landlord Steve Prigg.