 The pub pays tribute to Sheppey's unique place in the history of flying |
A flypast by a vintage biplane has marked the opening of a Kent pub which honours the pioneers of powered flight. The Aviator pub, formerly the Lady Hamilton, at Queenborough, on the Isle of Sheppey, has undergone a �350,000 refurbishment by brewer Shepherd Neame.
It contains artefacts on Sheppey's role in the history of flying, such as the exploits of the Short brothers.
The flypast was performed by pilot Charlie Brown in a Hawker Nimrod II 1930 biplane.
World War II airmen from the Guinea Pig Club, a drinking group set up by veterans who underwent pioneering burns surgery at the Queen Victoria Hospital, in East Grinstead, West Sussex, were among the guests at Monday's event.
Visitors to the pub will also be able to see memorabilia relating to the Gordon Bennett air race, the Eastchurch Naval Flying School and the visit of Wilbur and Orville Wright to Leysdown in 1909.
Nigel Bunting, Shepherd Neame's retail director said: "A century ago, Sheppey was the place where British aviation really took off, and the theme of The Aviator will pay tribute to the pioneers of yesteryear."
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