In recent years, archaeologists have discovered everything from a Mysteriously ruined old wine shop still 2,000-year-old Pompeian bar to presidential bottled cherries. So what’s new underground? A bar and smoking lounge that could be 400 years old in Dover, England.

At the beginning of this year, Canterbury Archeology Trust Researchers discovered broken bottles and ceramic jugs, as well as clay tobacco pipes, at an excavation site in the southeastern English town. “The objects may be linked to an inn (and) a public house believed to have been located nearby,” a Dover District Council spokesman said. wine spectator via email. “This was potentially known as the Phoenix and dated back to the 17th (or) 18th century.” Unfortunately, this phoenix did not rise again.

While we don’t have details about the bottles yet, the pottery shards provide more information: They are pieces of Bellarmine jars, also known as Bartmann jars. Designed to look like bearded men, these distinctive stoneware vessels were used for a variety of purposes, including wine decanting—Throughout Europe (and beyond) from the 16th century.

“These (elements) will be studied by specialists and then passed to Dover Museum”said the council spokesperson. So why were archaeologists digging at this particular location in Kent? Since July 2024, they have been excavating for a nearly $30 million project to redevelop the site as Dover Beacon, an educational, arts and business center.

Centuries-old clay pipes were unearthed at what may have been the site of a tavern in Dover, England. (Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd)

“The main project is expected to be completed in May 2026, giving tenants time to fit out their suites before the building opens in September 2026,” the council spokesperson added. Incidentally, some notable buildings were demolished for development: one had a mural of the European Union flag by the famous anonymous artist. Banksy; the other was Dover’s biggest nightclub, the Funky Monkey.

This is not the first time the site has yielded archaeological artifacts. According to the council spokesperson, archaeologists have previously discovered fragments of post-medieval wine glasses, medieval and post-medieval pots and pottery, spindle coils (used for spinning), coins, nails and animal bones.

But the Dover Beacon project has another historical link beyond archaeology: the main building on the site will be called the Bench, a nod to the medieval customs bank that once operated there. “Traders would have left their goods at the bank so the government could assess and collect any taxes owed,” the council spokesperson explained, “including taxes on imports of wine and beer.”

Like the pub or tavern that once stood on this very site, the Bench is intended to be a local meeting place, although one could imagine it with much more economic potential: “The Dover Beacon project is intended to deliver more than ( $117 million) of economic benefit,” the council spokesperson said, “bringing investment to boost jobs, skills and access across the area.” Cheers to that!

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